Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 ripe avocado; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Homemade Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream! The combination of spicy jalapenos stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and served with a silky avocado dipping sauce is a party in my mouth. The crunch of the breadcrumb coating against the soft filling creates a delightful texture that keeps me coming back for more. Whether for a game day treat or a cozy night in, these poppers are always a hit. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare, which makes them even more enjoyable to eat!

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:57:35.078Z

When I first decided to make Jalapeno Poppers, I wanted to create something special. I experimented with different fillings and discovered that a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices elevated the flavor tenfold. The result was a creamy, spicy center that pairs perfectly with an avocado cream that cools down the heat from the jalapenos.

Over the years, my friends and family have raved about these poppers, and I've found that the key to success lies in choosing the right jalapenos. I prefer medium-sized ones for this recipe, ensuring just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the creamy goodness!

Why You'll Love These Poppers
Exciting blend of spicy and creamy flavors
Crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling
Perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack

Choosing the Right Jalapenos

When preparing Jalapeno Poppers, selecting the right jalapenos is crucial. Aim for larger peppers that are firm and bright in color. A serrated knife can help you cut them neatly in half and remove the seeds cleanly. If you're wary of intense heat, opt for peppers that have a lighter green hue, as these are often milder. Be sure to wear gloves while handling jalapenos to avoid any irritation from the oils.

Another tip is to taste a small piece of the pepper before stuffing. This helps gauge the spice level, allowing you to adjust the cream cheese filling by adding more cheese or even a bit of sugar to balance the heat.

Perfecting the Creamy Filling

The filling brings the poppers to life, so it's worth investing a few extra moments in perfecting it. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to blend smoothly with the cheddar and spices. This creates a cohesive texture that won’t crumble when baking. You can customize the filling by adding jalapeno seeds back in for extra heat or incorporating crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.

For a lighter twist, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the avocado cream. This makes the sauce thicker while maintaining a similar tangy taste, and it complements the poppers beautifully.

Baking and Serving Tips

Baking your jalapeno poppers on parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve that perfect golden brown crust without excessive oil. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from perfectly golden to overly crispy quickly. Your poppers are ready when they're golden brown with firm edges, typically around 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).

For serving, allowing the poppers to cool for about five minutes before serving is beneficial; this lets the filling set slightly, making them easier to hold. Pair with the avocado cream for dipping, as its creaminess directly complements the spicy crunch, creating a well-rounded bite.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make the perfect Jalapeno Poppers:

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Cream

1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste

Make sure you have everything ready to whip up these delicious poppers!

Instructions

Follow these steps for an amazing Jalapeno Popper experience:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set aside.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half until they are full.

Coat the Poppers

Dredge each stuffed jalapeno first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Bake the Poppers

Place the jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Avocado Cream

In a blender, blend the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Serve

Once the poppers are done, let them cool slightly before serving with the avocado cream on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add crumbled bacon to the cheese filling or garnish the avocado cream with chopped cilantro.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you're planning ahead, jalapeno poppers can be assembled earlier in the day and stored in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, there’s no need to let them sit out; simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.

Leftover poppers can last for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they remain crispy.

Variations on a Classic

While the traditional jalapeno poppers are delicious, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese will add an extra kick, or you could try a blend of mozzarella for a gooey interior. Adding herbs like chives or cilantro to the filling can also elevate the flavor profile, giving the poppers a fresh twist.

For a twist on the avocado cream, consider adding diced tomatoes or a pinch of cumin for a salsa-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy jalepono. This not only enhances the presentation but also diversifies the layers of taste, giving your guests something to talk about.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapenos and filling a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.

→ Are there any alternatives to the breading?

You can use crushed corn chips or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

→ What if I want less heat?

Consider using sweeter peppers like mini bell peppers instead of jalapenos, or remove all the seeds before stuffing.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed jalapenos?

Absolutely! Just freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.