Print

Crispy Jalapeño Poppers with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

crispy jalapeño poppers - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and coated with a sticky, sweet brown sugar glaze. A perfect balance of heat, creaminess, crunch, and sweetness for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium fresh jalapeños
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce heat. Keep the stem intact. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the breading station with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
  5. Dredge each stuffed jalapeño first in flour, then dip in egg, and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to adhere. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 2 inches deep to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the poppers in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on a wire rack lined baking sheet.
  8. While frying the last batch, combine brown sugar, melted butter, and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  9. Brush each fried popper generously with the warm brown sugar glaze.
  10. Serve warm immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Rest coated poppers before frying to help breadcrumbs adhere. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then brush with glaze. Reheat leftovers in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, crispy jalapeños, sweet brown sugar glaze, appetizer, snack, fried jalapeños, cheesy poppers, party food

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-jalape-n-o-poppers-with-sweet-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-recipe/