Ready to spice up your appetizer game? These Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Popper Bites pack a punch of flavor with a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of sweetness. They're the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making any gathering a hit!
Jalapeños provide the base and a spicy kick. Adjust the heat by removing more or fewer seeds. Cream cheese is the creamy heart of the filling, balancing the heat with its rich texture. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the cream cheese. Bacon bits bring a savory, smoky depth to the filling. Honey gives a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully. Smoked paprika enhances the smoky bacon and adds a mild warmth. Garlic powder and onion powder amp up the savory notes, while a bit of salt ties everything together. Wonton wrappers are used to encase the jalapeño halves, giving them a satisfying crunch after frying. Finally, vegetable oil is used for frying, providing a neutral base to fry the poppers to perfection.
These popper bites are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cool, creamy dip like ranch or sour cream to balance the heat. They're also great alongside a platter of fresh veggies for a refreshing contrast.
Start by carefully slicing each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes, adjusting the heat level to your preference by removing more or fewer seeds. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix everything until well blended and smooth.
Once your filling is ready, spoon it generously into each jalapeño half, pressing gently to ensure it's well packed. Now, take a wonton wrapper and wrap each stuffed jalapeño half, folding the edges tightly around it. This will hold everything together during frying.
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You'll know it's ready when it reaches about 350°F — a candy thermometer can help, but a small piece of wonton should sizzle and rise to the surface. Fry the wrapped jalapeño poppers in batches, giving them about 2-3 minutes per side, until they're a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
Once they're done, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, and enjoy the delightful sweet and spicy combination!
Share