Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe

Introduction

Jalapeno Popper Bites are a deliciously cheesy appetizer with a spicy kick, wrapped in a crispy golden coating. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, these bite-sized treats combine creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh jalapeños for a flavor-packed bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (113 g) Monterey jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 cup (108 g) plain bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• vegetable or canola oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a tight ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Step 3: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill the cheese balls for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
4. Step 4: Prepare three wide, deep plates: On the first plate, whisk together flour, kosher salt, and pepper. On the second plate, whisk together eggs and water. On the third plate, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
5. Step 5: Dredge each chilled cheese ball first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture. Ensure each ball is fully coated at every step. Repeat for all balls.
6. Step 6: Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat, targeting 350°F if using a thermometer.
7. Step 7: Fry the cheese balls in batches until they turn golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes total. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
8. Step 8: Serve the jalapeno popper bites hot for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, double coat the bites by repeating the egg and bread crumb step before frying.
• Swap Monterey jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level.
• Use smoked paprika instead of cayenne for a different smoky spice.

Storage

Store leftover jalapeno popper bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the cheese balls after coating them. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.

What can I serve with jalapeno popper bites?

They pair well with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy dipping sauce like chipotle mayo for added flavor contrast.

Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

These Jalapeno Popper Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring a creamy cheese and jalapeño filling wrapped in a crispy bread crumb coating, then fried to golden perfection. They combine the heat of jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese, Monterey jack, and smoky bacon, making a perfect party snack or game day favorite.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 15 cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup (113 g) Monterey jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Flour Mixture

• ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Egg Mixture

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons water

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup (108 g) plain bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Frying

• Vegetable or canola oil (enough for ¼ inch depth in skillet)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, cooked and crumbled bacon, and minced garlic until well mixed.
2. Form Cheese Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and form it into a tight ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture for about 15 balls total.
3. Chill: Transfer the baking sheet with cheese balls to the freezer and chill for 20-30 minutes until firm to handle for breading.
4. Prepare Breading Stations: Set out three wide and deep plates. On the first, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and pepper. On the second, whisk the eggs and water together. On the third, mix the bread crumbs, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
5. Coat Cheese Balls: Dredge each chilled cheese ball first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat evenly in the bread crumb mixture. Make sure each ball is thoroughly coated after each step.
6. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, pour vegetable or canola oil to about ¼ inch depth and heat over medium until oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry Cheese Balls: Working in batches, carefully place cheese balls in the hot oil. Fry, turning gently, until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes total.
8. Drain and Serve: Remove fried popper bites from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Make sure to seed jalapeños to reduce heat if preferred milder bites.
• Handle cheese balls gently, especially during breading and frying to prevent breakage.
• Maintain oil temperature for even frying and crispy coating.
• These bites are best served fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven if needed.

Keywords: Jalapeno Popper Bites, Jalapeno Poppers, Appetizer, Fried Snacks, Party Food, Cheese Bites, Bacon Jalapeno