Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream
Highlighted under: Home Planning
When I first made Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The blend of spicy jalapenos with the cool, creamy avocado dip creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. These poppers quickly became a staple for gatherings and game nights. I love how easy they are to prepare, making them the perfect last-minute snack that always impresses. If you're seeking a delicious appetizer that's both spicy and refreshing, this recipe is a must-try!
Making Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream has become a favorite culinary adventure for me. Initially, I experimented with various fillings, but it was the creamy avocado dip that really made the difference. The combination of the heat from the jalapenos and the coolness of the avocado is an unmatched flavor contrast! Plus, I discovered that marinating the jalapenos in a bit of olive oil before stuffing them enhances their flavor even more!
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can spice up the cream with lime juice or even toss in some garlic for an extra kick. As a bonus, these poppers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, and they disappear in minutes!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Spicy jalapenos balanced with creamy avocado
- Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings
- Versatile and can be customized with your favorite spices
Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Poppers
Getting the jalapenos just right is crucial for the perfect popper. Choose large, firm jalapenos to ensure they hold their shape during baking. When preparing them, make sure to remove all seeds and membranes if you want a milder flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, leave a few seeds in, but remember that this can significantly increase the heat level. Additionally, consider wearing gloves while handling the jalapenos to avoid skin irritation.
The filling is where you can get creative. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar provides a delicious base, but feel free to experiment with ingredients like pepper jack cheese for extra heat or smoked gouda for a unique, smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can also be added to enhance the taste. When mixing the filling, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened, which makes it easier to blend and gives a smoother texture.
Making the Avocado Cream
The avocado cream dip elevates these poppers, bringing a cooling contrast to the heat of the jalapenos. When selecting avocados, ensure they are perfectly ripe—give them a gentle squeeze; they should feel slightly soft, but not mushy. If your avocados are underripe, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two to help them ripen faster. This dip can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, but be wary of browning; adding a bit more lime juice can help keep it vibrant.
To achieve the perfect consistency for the avocado cream, mash the avocados with a fork or a potato masher until they are creamy but still have a few chunks for texture. This approach not only provides a pleasant mouthfeel but also allows the cream to hold up against the crispy poppers. Taste your avocado cream before serving; adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference, or experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for added flair.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 large jalapenos
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Avocado Cream
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have everything prepped before starting to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the jalapenos
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Brush them lightly with olive oil.
Make the filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Stuff the jalapenos
Spoon the filling into each jalapeno half, pressing gently to pack it in.
Bake the poppers
Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Prepare avocado cream
While the poppers bake, mash the avocados in a bowl. Stir in the sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve
Remove the poppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm alongside the avocado cream for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream!
Pro Tips
- For an extra crispy texture, broil the poppers for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid any irritation.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover jalapeno poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to regain their crispiness. If you're in a hurry, microwaving is an option, but this may result in a softer texture.
If you're looking to make these ahead of time, you can assemble the poppers, wrap them tightly, and freeze them before baking. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time until they are cooked through and golden.
Variations and Customizations
These jalapeno poppers are incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the cheeses based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Try adding crumbled feta or even a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of flavor without the meat.
For those who love a smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, you can grill the poppers for an outdoor even more intense smoky flavor. Simply preheat your grill and cook the stuffed jalapenos until the filling is bubbly, which can take about 10 minutes depending on your grill's heat level.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed jalapenos, refrigerate them, and bake them just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.
→ How spicy are these poppers?
The spiciness depends on the jalapenos used; removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat significantly.
→ Can I freeze these poppers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed jalapenos before baking them. Just thaw and bake when you're ready to enjoy!
Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream
When I first made Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The blend of spicy jalapenos with the cool, creamy avocado dip creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. These poppers quickly became a staple for gatherings and game nights. I love how easy they are to prepare, making them the perfect last-minute snack that always impresses. If you're seeking a delicious appetizer that's both spicy and refreshing, this recipe is a must-try!
Created by: Portia Langford
Recipe Type: Home Planning
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 poppers
What You'll Need
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 large jalapenos
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Avocado Cream
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Brush them lightly with olive oil.
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Spoon the filling into each jalapeno half, pressing gently to pack it in.
Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
While the poppers bake, mash the avocados in a bowl. Stir in the sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Remove the poppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm alongside the avocado cream for dipping.
Extra Tips
- For an extra crispy texture, broil the poppers for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid any irritation.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g