These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers are the ultimate game day appetizer that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds! Perfect for your Superbowl party food ideas, these bite-sized treats deliver all the creamy, spicy goodness of traditional jalapeño poppers but with a milder, more crowd-pleasing kick. The colorful mini sweet peppers create a beautiful presentation while the cream cheese filling, crispy bacon bits, and golden breadcrumb topping deliver that irresistible flavor combination we all crave during big game gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
These stuffed mini peppers aren’t just delicious – they’re also a healthier alternative to many traditional game day snacks. Mini sweet peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C, making them excellent antioxidant sources. When paired with protein-rich cream cheese and bacon, you get a more balanced snack that will keep guests satisfied longer than typical carb-heavy options.
| Nutrition (per 2 peppers) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 0.5mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating the perfect Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and potential substitutions if you’re in a pinch:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mini sweet peppers | Base container | Small bell peppers (cut into quarters) |
| 8 oz cream cheese, softened | Creamy filling base | Neufchâtel cheese (lower fat) or dairy-free cream cheese |
| 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese | Flavor and melty texture | Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for extra spice |
| 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled | Savory, crispy element | Turkey bacon, plant-based bacon bits, or smoked paprika (for flavor) |
| 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced | Heat and authentic flavor | Green chilies (milder) or 1 tsp cayenne pepper (spicier) |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Aromatic flavor | 1/2 tsp garlic powder |
| 2 green onions, finely sliced | Fresh, mild onion flavor | 1 Tbsp minced chives or 2 tsp onion powder |
| 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs | Crispy topping | Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crushed pork rinds (keto-friendly) |
| 1 Tbsp butter, melted | Binds topping and adds richness | Olive oil or avocado oil |
Equipment Needed
To prepare these delicious game day treats, you’ll need:
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Cutting board and knife
– Mixing bowls (medium and small)
– Spoon for mixing
– Small spoon or piping bag for filling peppers
– Kitchen scissors (optional, for trimming peppers)
– Meat thermometer (optional, to ensure peppers are hot throughout)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut each mini sweet pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes, leaving the stems intact for easy handling.
3. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Fill the Peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pepper half, slightly mounding the filling.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the filled peppers.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the peppers have softened slightly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Final Touch: For extra color, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers are a crowd-pleasing Superbowl party food idea that balances spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements perfectly.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Peppers too firm? If you prefer softer peppers, pre-bake them empty for 5 minutes before filling.
– Filling falling out? Make sure your peppers are positioned so the open side faces up during baking.
– Want more heat? Leave some jalapeño seeds in the mixture or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
– Too spicy? Balance with a little more cream cheese or serve with a dollop of sour cream.
– Make it fancy: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or chives just before serving.
– Crispy bacon tip: For maximum crispness, add half the bacon to the filling and reserve half to sprinkle on top after baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers are perfect for prepping ahead of your game day gathering:
– Make ahead (unbaked): Prepare and fill peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator. Add breadcrumb topping just before baking.
– Make ahead (baked): Bake up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, then reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
– Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezer friendly: Freeze unbaked stuffed peppers (without breadcrumb topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add topping, and bake as directed.
– Reheating tip: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than microwave to maintain the crispy topping.
Conclusion
These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mini Peppers are a guaranteed hit for your next game day gathering or anytime you need an impressive but easy appetizer. They strike the perfect balance between creamy, spicy, and crunchy while being easier to eat and less intimidating than traditional jalapeño poppers. Whether you’re hosting a Superbowl party food extravaganza or just looking for a tasty snack, these colorful, flavorful bites will score big with your guests. They’re also versatile enough to customize based on your taste preferences and dietary needs, making them a reliable go-to recipe for any occasion.
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon bits, smoked paprika, or additional cheese.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
The peppers should be slightly softened but still hold their shape. The filling should be hot throughout and the breadcrumb topping golden brown.
Can I use regular jalapeños instead of mini sweet peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer traditional jalapeño poppers, follow the same recipe using halved jalapeños instead. Just be prepared for much spicier results!
What can I serve with these peppers?
These peppers pair well with a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce, and complement other game day favorites like cheesy baked quesadillas that make perfect Super Bowl appetizers for your party.
How spicy are these poppers?
With the seeds and membranes removed from both the mini peppers and jalapeños, these have a moderate heat level. Adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your preference.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 370°F for about 6-8 minutes until the peppers are tender and the topping is golden.
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