Description
These Jalapeno Popper Bites are a deliciously spicy and creamy appetizer featuring a blend of Monterey jack and cream cheese with fresh jalapeños, coated in a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a party snack or a flavorful starter to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 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
Breading
- 1½ cups (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 cup (108 g) plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly, then form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and transfer to the freezer, chilling for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three wide and deep plates. On the first plate, place the all-purpose flour mixed with kosher salt and pepper. On the second plate, whisk together the eggs and water. On the third plate, mix the bread crumbs with garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the cheese balls: Take each chilled cheese ball and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Next, dip it into the egg wash, and finally roll it thoroughly in the seasoned bread crumb mixture. Repeat this process for all cheese balls.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour about ½ inch of vegetable or canola oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bites: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the breaded cheese balls in the hot oil for about 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot: Serve the jalapeno popper bites immediately while hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- To reduce heat, remove all jalapeño seeds and membranes before dicing.
- For extra crispy bites, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady for best frying results.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before frying; fry directly from frozen but increase frying time slightly.
- Serve with ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
