Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers are the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Fresh jalapeños are sliced and hollowed out, then stuffed with a cheesy cornbread mixture that puffs up beautifully in the oven. The addition of canned corn and shredded cheddar cheese gives these poppers a rich, creamy texture with a hint of sweetness to balance out the heat of the jalapeños. They’re simple to prepare and bake up in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for parties, game day, or any time you’re craving a spicy snack!
Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers are a fun and flavorful appetizer that combines the spicy kick of jalapeños with the savory goodness of cheesy cornbread. These poppers are baked to perfection, making them a great snack for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. The cornbread mixture puffs up inside the jalapeño halves, creating a cheesy, golden-brown topping that’s sure to please any crowd.
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers so irresistible.
INGREDIENTS
- Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are sliced in half, creating a perfect vessel for the cheesy cornbread filling. They provide the signature spicy heat for this dish.
- Cornbread Mix: A simple boxed cornbread mix forms the base of the filling. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy jalapeños.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor to the filling and creates a golden, melty topping on the poppers.
- Canned Corn: Sweet, tender corn kernels add texture and a touch of natural sweetness to the filling, balancing out the heat from the jalapeños.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Step 2:
- Slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and veins. This will reduce the heat of the peppers while creating space for the cornbread filling. Set the prepared jalapeño halves aside.
- Step 3:
- In a medium bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the instructions on the box. Once the batter is ready, stir in the canned corn and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Spoon the cornbread mixture into each jalapeño half, being careful not to overfill them. Leave a little space at the top to allow the cornbread to rise as it bakes.
- Step 5:
- Place the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the filled jalapeños for an extra cheesy finish.
- Step 6:
- Bake the jalapeño cornbread poppers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread is firm and cooked through. The tops should be golden and puffed.
- Step 7:
- Once baked, remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip like ranch dressing for added flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a perfect snack or appetizer for gatherings, game days, or even as a side dish to barbecue. You can also serve them with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream to balance out the spice.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freezing: You can also freeze Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers after baking. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
Helpful Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, you can remove all the seeds and veins from the jalapeños or use mini sweet peppers as a substitute.
- Adding More Flavor: For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the cornbread batter. You can also mix in crumbled bacon or green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the jalapeños and filling ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes it easy to pop them in the oven when your guests arrive.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Amy recommends using a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a sharper, spicier flavor in the poppers.
- Chef Alex suggests brushing the tops of the poppers with a bit of melted butter before baking to enhance their golden color and richness.
- Chef Jen advises serving these poppers with a side of honey for a sweet and spicy contrast that will surprise your guests.