Jalapeno poppers are sliced jalapeno peppers stuffed with nacho cheese, breaded, then baked or fried. This dish can be used as a delicious party snack and is perfect for accompanying you to watch a football match. Read this article to find out how to make delicious poppers from scratch.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeno chilies
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- tsp. salt
- 1 cup fine and dry breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- cup flour
- 2 liters cooking oil or peanut oil (for frying)
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Materials
Step 1. Prepare the jalapeno chilies
Wash the jalapenos under cold running water, then drain by shaking them. Place the chili on a cutting board and cut the stalks off with a sharp knife. After that, cut the chili into two lengthwise halves. Use a spoon or fingers to remove the seeds.
- If your hands can't handle the hot chili peppers, wear gloves when handling them.
- If you want a very spicy popper, leave a few chili seeds in the jalapeno.
Step 2. Make the nachos
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp. flour until the mixture becomes thick. Add milk and stir until well blended. When the milk is warm, add salt and grated cheese. Stir all the ingredients until the cheese melts, and remove the pan from the heat.
- The mixture should be thick and sticky. If it's too runny, add another tablespoon of flour.
- You can add tsp. cumin, garlic powder, and red chilies for added spice.
Part 2 of 3: Making Poppers
Step 1. Put the cheese in the jalapeno chili slices
Add about 1 tbsp. mix cheese into each of the jalapeno slices. You can increase or decrease the amount of cheese used as long as it doesn't spill over from the jalapeno.
Step 2. Prepare the bread ingredients
Put the eggs in a bowl, then beat gently. Put the flour in the second bowl, and pour the breadcrumbs into the third bowl. Spread a paper towel on a plate as a place to hold the breaded popper later.
Step 3. Coat the poppers with breadcrumbs
Take the jalapeno slices and carefully dip them in the flour so that the cheese doesn't spill. Sprinkle a little flour on top too. After that, dip the jalapenos in the egg mixture. Finally, coat the bottom of the jalapeno slices with breadcrumbs, and dust the top with breadcrumbs too using a spoon. Place the breaded jalapenos on a paper-lined plate. Continue this process until all the poppers are breaded.
- If you want a thick, crunchy coating, dip the poppers in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. After that, dip the poppers back into the egg and coat them with breadcrumbs a second time.
- You can use panko flour or biscuit crumbs instead of breadcrumbs.
Part 3 of 3: Frying Poppers
Step 1. Heat the oil
Put the oil in a dutch oven (a large, heavy pot) or a large saucepan. Heat the pot on the stove over medium heat. Heat the oil until hot enough for frying. Use a wooden spoon to test it. If bubbles appear that move away from the spoon, the oil is ready to use.
Step 2. Fry the poppers
Dip the poppers into the oil using a scoop or tongs. Fry the poppers until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Remove the popper from the oil and place it on a paper towel. Allow the poppers to dry and cool on paper towels.
Step 3. Serve the poppers
Place cooled poppers on a plate and serve with sour cream, or enjoy as is without any additions.
Tips
- Add some cooked chopped bacon to the cheese for added flavor.
- You can scoop the cheese mixture into the jalapeno slices using a small ice cream scoop.
