Savory Stuffed Jalapeño Bites
Ingredients
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12 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise, seeds & membranes removed
(leave a little membrane if you like heat) -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup shredded cheese
(cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) -
½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Recommended)
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½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
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¼ cup finely chopped green onions
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2 Tbsp roasted green chile (NM-style if you’ve got it 🌶️)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
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Prep jalapeños: Slice, seed, and arrange cut-side up.
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Mix filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, spices, and any add-ins until smooth.
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Stuff: Spoon (or pipe) filling generously into each jalapeño half.
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Bake 18–22 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are lightly golden.
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Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning (watch closely!).
Optional Crunchy Topping
Mix together:
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 Tbsp melted butter
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2 Tbsp Parmesan
Sprinkle on top before baking for a crispy finish.
Make-Ahead & Serving Tips
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Can be assembled 1 day ahead, covered, and baked when ready.
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Serve hot with ranch, chipotle sauce, or sour cream.
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Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
Fun Variations
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Sausage-Stuffed – add cooked breakfast sausage
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Southwest – cumin + green chile + pepper jack
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Extra Cheesy – tuck a cube of cheese inside before baking
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Air Fryer – 375°F for 8–10 minutes
If you want, I can tweak these to be milder, spicier, keto, or wrapped in bacon (the people’s favorite 😏).