Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill: Transfer the baking sheet with cheese balls to the freezer and chill for 20-30 minutes until firm to handle for breading.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/jalapeno-popper-bites-recipe/
