Description
These Jalapeno Popper Bites are a delightful blend of creamy cheeses and spicy jalapeños, perfectly breaded and fried to golden perfection. Ideal as an appetizer or party snack, they are sure to please any crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup (113 g) Monterey jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Flour Mixture
- 1½ cups (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons water
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup (108 g) plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and minced garlic. Form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill for about 20-30 minutes.
- Assembly: Set out three wide and deep plates.
- On plate one, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- On plate two, whisk together the eggs and water.
- On plate three, whisk together the bread crumbs, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Dredge each cheese ball into the flour first, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumb mixture, ensuring each ball is well coated. Repeat with the remaining cheese balls.
- Frying: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium heat (should register about 350°F). Working in batches, fry the cheese balls until golden brown on all sides (about 3 minutes). Set on a paper towel to soak up excess oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon to the filling mixture.
- Adjust the heat level by using more or fewer jalapeños according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg