Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Filling

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Filling
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 6 large jalapenos; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Home Planning

When I first tried making Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Filling, I knew I was onto something special. The heat of the jalapenos combined with the cool, creamy spinach filling created an explosion of flavor that was simply irresistible. Over time, I’ve perfected my technique, focusing on balancing the spices and ensuring the creaminess complements the spice without overwhelming it. This recipe is not just a finger food; it’s a delightful treat that never fails to impress at gatherings or family dinners.

Created by

Portia Langford

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:21:35.116Z

My journey with jalapeno poppers began at a friend's barbecue where they were the star of the show. Each bite revealed layers of flavor that complemented the jalapeno's heat perfectly. This inspired me to create my own version with a twist. I decided to incorporate spinach for added texture and nutrients, making them a bit healthier without sacrificing taste. The result was beyond my expectations!

After several attempts, I found that gently sautéing the spinach before mixing it with the cheese made all the difference. It intensified the flavors and provided a lush consistency that works beautifully when baked. Trust me, this extra step is worth it, and your taste buds will thank you!

Why You'll Love These Jalapeno Poppers
A perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors.
Great for parties and as a game day snack.
Easy to make and customize with your favorite cheeses.

The Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess

The jalapenos in this recipe bring a noticeable heat that can vary based on their size and ripeness. By removing the seeds and membranes, you can control the spice level, which is essential for balancing with the creamy filling. If you prefer a little more kick, leave some seeds in your jalapenos. This personalization means that everyone can enjoy these poppers to their own palate, making them versatile for different gatherings.

The cream cheese and cheddar in the filling serve a dual purpose: they provide a rich, creamy texture while also enhancing the overall flavor. The creaminess offsets the heat of the jalapenos beautifully, making each bite and explosion of flavors that are irresistible. I recommend letting your cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing; this will help create a smoother filling that's easy to pipe into the jalapenos.

Breading Techniques for Extra Crunch

Coating the jalapenos with breadcrumbs before baking is crucial for achieving a satisfying crunch. The breadcrumbs not only provide texture but also create a barrier that keeps the filling moist while baking. A mixture of standard breadcrumbs and panko can give you an even crunchier exterior. Just remember to press the jalapenos firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for an even coating; this prevents some areas from being bare when they're baking.

When baking the poppers, keep an eye on them after the first 10 minutes; they should be turning a lovely golden color. If they aren’t browning sufficiently, you can briefly broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach that perfect crispness. Just ensure you monitor them closely during this time to avoid burning.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Filling

Filling Ingredients

6 large jalapenos
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For Coating

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Olive oil for drizzling

Preparation Steps

Instructions

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for less heat. Set aside.

Make the Filling

In a skillet, sauté the chopped spinach over medium heat until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Fill and Coat

Stuff each jalapeno half generously with the spinach cheese mixture. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs with paprika. Press the filled jalapenos into the breadcrumbs to coat them.

Bake

Arrange the coated jalapenos in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 15 minutes or until the poppers are golden and crispy.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, leave some of the seeds in the jalapenos. Feel free to mix and match cheeses according to your preference—pepper jack adds a nice kick!

Make-Ahead Tips

These Jalapeno Poppers are an excellent option for meal prep. You can assemble them a day in advance, allowing the flavors of the filling to meld beautifully. Store the uncooked poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just pop them directly into the oven without the need for thawing — they may take an extra few minutes to bake through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the assembled, unbaked poppers on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, there's no need to thaw; just adjust the baking time, and enjoy that fresh-baked crunch right from the oven!

Serving Suggestions

These Jalapeno Poppers make a fantastic appetizer but can also easily serve as a main dish when paired with a refreshing salad or some tangy salsa. The brightness of a side salad can balance the richness of the cream cheese filling. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping; their coolness complements the heat perfectly.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can switch up the filling ingredients. Adding crisp bacon bits for a smoky flavor or a sprinkle of crumbled feta can give a unique twist to the classic recipe. If you want to make them vegetarian, try substituting the cheddar with a dairy-free cheese or additional vegetables for different taste profiles.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos and filling a few hours in advance and bake them right before serving.

→ What can I serve with jalapeno poppers?

They pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing, as well as guacamole or salsa.

→ Are these poppers vegetarian?

Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly, using spinach and cheeses.

→ Can I freeze the poppers?

Absolutely! Freeze them after filling but before baking. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.