Jalapeno Poppers with Cornbread Crust

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Cornbread Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup diced green onions; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Collection

I love a good appetizer, and these Jalapeno Poppers with Cornbread Crust are a favorite in my home. The combination of spicy jalapenos and sweet cornbread crust creates an irresistible contrast that I can't get enough of. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, they're easy to make and even easier to devour. Plus, I enjoy the thrill of taking a bite and being pleasantly surprised by the creamy filling. Trust me, once you try these poppers, they'll become a staple in your repertoire!

Created by

Isabella Clark

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:25:35.105Z

When I first encountered the idea of stuffing jalapenos, I was instantly intrigued. I decided to add a twist with a cornbread crust, and the result was a delightful surprise! It adds a sweetness that balances the heat beautifully. After several attempts, I perfected the technique to ensure the poppers would hold their shape while baking.

As I experimented, I discovered that baking rather than frying made them healthier without sacrificing that crispy texture. Every bite is a crunchy, creamy explosion of flavor that I guarantee your friends will love!

Why You'll Love These Jalapeno Poppers
Crispy cornbread crust enveloping spicy jalapenos
Creamy, cheesy filling that balances heat
Perfect for gatherings and game night snacks

Perfecting the Jalapeno Stuffing

When preparing the filling for your jalapeno poppers, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This not only makes it easier to combine with the other ingredients but also contributes to a creamier texture. You’ll want to mix until the filling is smooth and well-integrated, with no lumps. A hand mixer can expedite this process, helping to incorporate air for a fluffier filling.

Don’t hesitate to adjust the heat! If you prefer a milder flavor, all seeds can be removed from the jalapenos. For a spicier kick, leave a few seeds or even add minced fresh jalapenos into your cheese mixture for depth. This customization allows everyone to enjoy these delightful bites at their comfort levels.

Understanding the Cornbread Crust

The cornbread crust is a crucial element that brings a sweet contrast to the heat of the jalapenos. Be careful not to overmix your cornbread batter; mixing just until combined helps ensure a tender crust. Overmixing can cause the final product to become tough or gummy. Look for a consistency that is thick but still pourable, and allow it to sit briefly to thicken slightly before coating the jalapenos.

If you’re looking for dietary alternatives, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to cater to gluten sensitivities. For a dairy-free option, use almond or soy cream cheese and a plant-based cheese alternative. These substitutions won't notably affect the cooking time or technique, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish.

Storage and Serving Tips

These jalapeno poppers can be made ahead of time and stored unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes them a fantastic choice for preparing before a gathering. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out, and bake them right before serving. Since they are best served fresh, reheating might dry them out; however, you can place them in a covered dish in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

For serving, consider pairing these poppers with a cooling dip such as ranch or a tangy cilantro-lime sauce to balance the heat. They can also be served alongside other finger foods for a complete appetizer spread, making them an excellent choice for game nights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your jalapeno poppers irresistible:

Jalapeno Poppers Filling

12 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced green onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Cornbread Crust

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps for the perfect Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds for a milder flavor or keep them for extra heat.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until creamy and smooth.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half generously.

Prepare the Cornbread Mixture

In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

Coat the Jalapenos

Dip each stuffed jalapeno into the cornbread batter, ensuring they're well coated. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and crispy.

Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade poppers!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding cooked bacon bits to the filling or topping the baked poppers with a drizzle of hot sauce!

Variations to Explore

Feel free to switch up the types of cheese in your filling! Try using pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier filling. You can also incorporate different herbs like cilantro or parsley for a flavor boost that complements the cheese and jalapenos well.

For a smoky flavor, consider roasting the jalapenos before stuffing them which adds depth. Simply place fresh jalapenos directly on a grill or under the broiler for a few minutes until the skins begin to char, then cool and stuff as usual.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cornbread crust doesn’t turn out crispy, it could be due to excess moisture from the jalapenos. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from them after slicing. Additionally, your baking sheet needs to be lined correctly to avoid sticking—parchment paper works best for this.

Should the filling leak out during baking, it often means they were overstuffed or that the batter wasn’t thick enough. In the future, try using less filling or letting the cornbread batter sit for a few minutes to thicken before dipping the jalapenos.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers in advance?

Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.

→ What if I don't like spicy foods?

You can use sweet peppers instead, and the cornbread crust will balance the flavors nicely.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these poppers?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked poppers. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.