Jalapeno Recipe
Jalapeno recipes are a delightful blend of heat and flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life. This particular recipe, featuring stuffed jalapenos, offers a creamy, cheesy filling with a crispy, golden crust, making it a favorite appetizer or snack. The combination of cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits stuffed into spicy jalapeno halves, then breaded and fried to perfection, is irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty treat, these stuffed jalapenos are sure to impress.
Ingredients Breakdown
Selecting the best jalapeno peppers is crucial for this recipe. Look for firm, glossy peppers without any blemishes or soft spots. The size of the peppers can vary, but medium-sized ones are typically easier to handle and stuff. Before you start, ensure you have all the ingredients ready and measured out to streamline the cooking process. This includes softening the cream cheese and shredding the Cheddar cheese in advance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Combining the filling ingredients is the first step. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Next, prepare the jalapeno peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. This reduces the heat and makes room for the delicious filling. Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, pressing it in firmly to ensure it stays put during the coating process.
For the coating and frying, set up three separate bowls: one with milk, another with flour, and the last with bread crumbs. Dip each stuffed jalapeno into the milk, then roll it in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Allow the coated jalapenos to dry for about 10 minutes. Repeat the dipping and rolling process with milk and bread crumbs to create a thick, crispy coating. Let the jalapenos dry completely before frying.
Heat oil in a medium skillet to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry the coated jalapenos in batches, ensuring they don’t crowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Alternative ingredients for variations: Consider adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to the filling for extra flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon bits and add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Suggestions for achieving the perfect coating: Ensure each jalapeno is thoroughly coated in flour and bread crumbs. If the coating isn’t sticking well, repeat the dipping process.
- Troubleshooting common issues: If the cheese filling starts to ooze out during frying, make sure the coating is thick enough. Letting the jalapenos dry between each coating step helps with this.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the jalapenos at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- How do I make them less spicy? Removing all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapenos significantly reduces their heat. You can also soak them in cold water for a few minutes before stuffing.
- Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed and coated jalapenos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Storage and reheating instructions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Complementary dips and sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a tangy salsa pair wonderfully with these stuffed jalapenos. As for side dishes, consider serving them with a fresh salad or a hearty bowl of chili. Beverage recommendations include cold beers, margaritas, or a refreshing glass of iced tea to balance the spiciness.
Presentation Ideas
For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a platter lined with lettuce leaves. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of paprika, or a drizzle of sour cream. This not only enhances the look of the dish but also adds a burst of flavor and color.
In summary, these stuffed jalapenos are a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, spicy delight. They are easy to prepare and versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors. We encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and share your experiences with us. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
Ingredients:
12 ounces jalapeño peppers, seeded and halved
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon bacon bits
2 quarts oil for frying, or as needed
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Fill each halved jalapeño with this cheesy mixture.
- Prepare three separate bowls: pour milk into the first, place flour in the second, and fill the third with bread crumbs.
- Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the milk, followed by the flour, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated jalapeños on a plate and allow them to dry for about 10 minutes.
- Once dried, dip the jalapeños in milk again, then roll them in the bread crumbs. Allow them to dry on the plate for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process of dipping in milk and rolling in bread crumbs to ensure a thorough coating. Let them dry completely.
- Heat oil in a medium skillet to a temperature of 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Fry the coated jalapeños in the hot oil in batches, if necessary, until they turn golden brown, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
- Serve these crispy, golden jalapeños while hot and savor the delicious blend of flavors.
Jalapeño Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jalapeño peppers seeded and halved
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounce package shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon bacon bits
- 2 quarts oil for frying or as needed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Fill each halved jalapeño with this cheesy mixture.
- Prepare three separate bowls: pour milk into the first, place flour in the second, and fill the third with bread crumbs.
- Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the milk, followed by the flour, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated jalapeños on a plate and allow them to dry for about 10 minutes.
- Once dried, dip the jalapeños in milk again, then roll them in the bread crumbs. Allow them to dry on the plate for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process of dipping in milk and rolling in bread crumbs to ensure a thorough coating. Let them dry completely.
- Heat oil in a medium skillet to a temperature of 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Fry the coated jalapeños in the hot oil in batches, if necessary, until they turn golden brown, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
- Serve these crispy, golden jalapeños while hot and savor the delicious blend of flavors.