Description
Spicy jalapeño popper bites deliver a zesty explosion of creamy cheese and crispy bacon in one irresistible appetizer. Hungry guests will devour these crowd-pleasing morsels that perfectly balance heat, richness, and crunch for an unforgettable snacking experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 oz jalapeño peppers, diced
Breading and Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Oils and Extras:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Blend softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
- Fold crumbled bacon and finely diced jalapeño peppers into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm up and make it easier to handle.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
- Season flour with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Remove cheese mixture from refrigerator and roll into small, compact bite-sized balls using clean hands.
- Carefully coat each cheese ball first in seasoned flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs for complete coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, ensuring oil is hot enough for frying.
- Gently lower breaded cheese balls into hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set and prevent burning.
- Serve warm with ranch or preferred dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese mixture thoroughly to maintain shape and prevent spreading during frying.
- Remove seeds from jalapeños for milder heat, or keep them for extra spiciness depending on preference.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version of these delectable bites.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispy exterior and melted cheesy interior without burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg