Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup fried onions, crushed; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I’m thrilled to share this recipe for Jalapeno Poppers with Onion Dip! These bite-sized snacks burst with flavor and are perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy night in. The creamy filling, combined with the spicy crunch of jalapenos, creates an irresistible combination that I can never resist. Plus, the accompanying onion dip is so easy to whip up, it elevates the experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a complete novice, this recipe will surely impress your guests!

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:22:13.797Z

When I first made these Jalapeno Poppers, I was searching for a balance between heat and flavor. I experimented with different cheeses and spices until I landed on a perfect blend that complements the spice of the jalapenos beautifully. Over time, I found that roasting them provides a lovely smokiness that rounds out the flavor profile. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful dish!

The onion dip was a happy accident. I had leftover cream cheese and sautéed onions from another dish, and I thought, why not combine them? The result was a delightful dip that pairs perfectly with the poppers. This creamy dip complements the crispy texture of the poppers and enhances the overall eating experience. I can’t imagine enjoying these without it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A delightful balance of spicy and creamy flavors
Perfect for game day or festive gatherings
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute snacks

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The magic of Jalapeno Poppers lies in the marriage of heat and creaminess. The jalapenos lend a spicy kick that is beautifully offset by the rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar filling. It’s essential to taste the mixture before stuffing the peppers; a little extra salt or garlic can make a significant difference in enhancing the overall flavor. If you're particularly spice-sensitive, removing all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos will help tone down the heat while still providing that signature taste.

When mixing your cheese filling, aim for a smooth and cohesive texture. This ensures that the filling holds together well when baked. I often use a hand mixer for this; it not only speeds up the process but achieves that perfect creamy consistency. Ensuring your cream cheese is adequately softened is crucial—this prevents lumps that could disrupt the creamy experience you're aiming for in every bite.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Jalapeno Poppers pair splendidly with various dips, but the homemade onion dip really complements their flavor without overwhelming the palate. You can also experiment with adding some shredded bacon bits to the filling for an extra layer of flavor; just ensure it’s crispy and finely chopped to mix well. For those looking for a twist, consider mixing in some diced tomatoes or cilantro into the cheese filling for freshness.

Presentation is key! I recommend arranging the poppers on a large platter with a bowl of onion dip in the center. This not only looks inviting but also makes it easier for guests to indulge. For an extra kick, you can drizzle some sriracha or a tangy hot sauce over the top right before serving, creating a beautiful contrast and inviting your guests to dive in.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make these delicious Jalapeno Poppers:

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Onion Dip

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup fried onions, crushed
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Jalapeno Poppers and Onion Dip:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder flavor.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, pressing it down slightly to secure the filling.

Coat and Bake

In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Press the breadcrumb mixture on top of each stuffed jalapeno. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Onion Dip

In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed fried onions, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Serve

Once the poppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve hot with the onion dip.

Enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Poppers with the creamy onion dip!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, leave some seeds in the jalapenos. Serve with a side of ranch dressing for added flavor!

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

For those planning ahead, these jalapeno poppers can be assembled a day in advance. Simply stuff the jalapenos and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes them an ideal option for parties or game-day gatherings, as you can pop them in the oven right before serving.

If you have leftovers (if that ever happens!), store the poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating is simple; just pop them back in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain their crispy texture, making them taste freshly baked.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your poppers are spilling their filling during baking, it could be due to overstuffing or not pressing the filling down firmly enough. Aim to fill them generously but not excessively. Additionally, ensure that any jalapenos that are particularly large are cut evenly to avoid uneven cooking.

Should you encounter soggy breadcrumbs on top, it may be that the olive oil wasn’t evenly distributed. Mixing the breadcrumbs thoroughly with the oil before applying will help them crisp up beautifully during baking. A quick broil for the last couple of minutes of baking can also create that golden-brown finish if your poppers need an extra boost. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them and store them in the fridge before baking. Just bake them right before serving.

→ Can I freeze the poppers?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

→ How spicy are these poppers?

The spiciness depends on the jalapenos used and whether the seeds are removed. For milder poppers, remove the seeds and membranes.