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Easy Jalapeno Cheese Poppers

Easy Jalapeno Cheese Poppers

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Ingredients

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  • 12 large fresh jalapenos
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Wash the jalapenos and pat them dry. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and the white membranes. If you want more heat, you can leave a few seeds behind.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Using a spoon or a small spreader, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill them too much, as the cheese will expand slightly and melt while baking.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each stuffed pepper, pressing down gently so they stick to the cheese.
  6. Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the breadcrumb topping is a beautiful golden brown. Serve warm.