As we head into the party season, it is time to start planning your menus and coming up with those few special dishes that are sure to wow your guests. Jalapeño poppers are the perfect addition to any party menu, being both simple to make and pack a flavorful punch.
For more spicy party favorites, why not try Candied Jalapeños or Chili Cheese Dip?
Jalapeno Poppers
Party food needs to achieve a few different things. Firstly, party food sets the tone of the party. Serve up something that will impress your guests, and they are much more likely to have a good time.
Secondly, your party snacks need to be easy for guests to eat, creating a minimal mess while socializing and enjoying the rest of the party.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, the food needs to be simple enough that you do not have to spend hours in the kitchen when you should be getting ready for the big event.
Jalapeño poppers manage to tick all three boxes, being the perfect party snack that will not have you rushing around the kitchen as the first guests turn up.
Jalapeno Poppers Ingredients
Make sure you look at the recipe card at the very bottom for the exact amounts so that you know exactly what to buy for this recipe.
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
• Bacon
How To Make Jalapeno Poppers
• Place aluminum foil on a baking sheet
• Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese together until creamy and smooth
• Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, and then fold up and wrap the halves together with a slice of bacon
• If necessary, use a toothpick to hold the jalapeno halves together, but the bacon should do enough
• Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is crispy at 400 Fahrenheit, about 15 minutes
How To Serve Jalapeño Poppers
When it comes to party food, presentation is everything. You could serve your guests the most delicious dish you have ever whisked up, but if you simply throw it on a plate, like you would a weeknight-ready meal, they are unlikely to really appreciate your hard work.
Laying your jalapeño poppers out carefully on a plate in a decorative shape will instantly let your guests know you went all out when it came to the food at your party. You can even place a dip as a centerpiece depending on the shape that you choose. A chill dip works great for that little extra heat or a seasoned sour cream for those guests that prefer things a little milder.
It’s the holiday season, so why not get creative and lay your jalapeño poppers out in holiday-themed shapes such as a Christmas tree or a star. These shapes also give you the space to lay out a few dips in small pots within the shape.
If you really want to go all out with your decoration, try using herbs or crushed peppercorns to add even more texture to the dish before placing it on your buffet table.
Also, if you didn’t use toothpicks to hold the popper together, consider having a pot of toothpicks next to the serving plate so that guests can easily grab a popper and move around the party. This also prevents lots of different hands from touching the food and messing up your careful presentation.
How To Make Vegetarian Jalapeño Poppers
Planning your party menu and taking into account the various different dietary needs of your guests can be tricky at times while still managing to keep your menu exiting.
Jalapeño poppers are the ideal party food in this situation as they can be easily adapted for vegetarians. Your guests will also appreciate the extra effort you have gone to in making sure they still have fun, party food to enjoy.
If you want to keep the overall taste and texture of your jalapeño poppers the same as the original recipe, try using ‘facon’ rather than bacon to hold the poppers together. If you opt for this method, make sure your guests know that the dish is meat-free so that they do not brush over it thinking it contains bacon.
Alternatively, if you can use kale to hold your jalapeño poppers together. Kale can be wrapped around and gently tied into a bow, making them look like small presents in keeping with the holiday theme. Butchers twine also works for this method of holding the popper together and prevents the taste from being altered. However, the twine does prevent your popper from being the ultimate holiday finger food and will leave you finding twine for days after the party is over.
Looking for more party Appetizers and Snacks? Try these out:
Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 12 jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 12 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place aluminum foil on a baking sheet.
- Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese together until creamy and smooth. Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Fold up and wrap the halves together with a slice of bacon. If necessary, use a toothpick to hold the jalapeno halves together but the bacon should do the trick itself.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is crispy, about 15 minutes.
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