Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe

Introduction

Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites are crispy, cheesy little snacks bursting with spicy jalapenos and smoky bacon. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, these golden bites bring a delicious kick with every mouthful.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 3 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
• ¼ cup chopped bacon
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• Peanut oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack, diced jalapenos, chopped bacon, and sriracha sauce until well combined.
2. Step 2: Scoop the mixture and form into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: Prepare three separate bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball first in the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture.
6. Step 6: Fry several bites at a time in the hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Tips & Variations

• To make these milder, reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove seeds completely before dicing.
• For extra crunch, use only panko bread crumbs or toast the breadcrumbs lightly before coating.
• Try substituting the bacon with cooked chorizo or diced ham for a different flavor.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy dipping option.

Storage

Store leftover fried jalapeno popper bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the jalapeno popper bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but will still taste delicious.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C). You can check this with a cooking thermometer or test by dropping a small bit of bread or batter into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, it’s ready.

Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 jalapeño popper bites 1x

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Description

Fried Jalapeño Popper Bites are crispy, golden-fried cheese balls filled with creamy cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, spicy diced jalapeños, smoky bacon bits, and a hint of sriracha for extra zing. These bite-sized appetizers offer a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to perfection for a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.

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Ingredients

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Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 3 jalapeños (seeded and diced)
• ¼ cup chopped bacon
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce

Coating

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

For Frying

• Peanut oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced seeded jalapeños, chopped bacon, and sriracha sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a spicy, cheesy mixture.
2. Form the cheese balls: Using a spoon, scoop the cheese mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Freeze the balls for 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat and fry.
3. Set up the breading stations: Prepare three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
4. Heat the oil: Pour enough peanut or canola oil into a deep fryer or large heavy pot to allow deep frying. Heat the oil to 350˚F (175˚C), monitoring the temperature with a thermometer for accurate frying.
5. Coat the cheese balls: Remove the frozen cheese balls from the freezer. One at a time, dip each ball first into the flour, coating completely, then into the beaten eggs, and finally roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This triple layer helps create a crispy exterior.
6. Fry the bites: Carefully place several coated cheese balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn them if needed for even frying.
7. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried jalapeño popper bites and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, keeping them crisp and less greasy.
8. Serve and store: Serve the jalapeño popper bites warm as an appetizer or party snack. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese balls before coating helps maintain their shape during frying.
• Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level; use fewer for milder bites.
• Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350˚F to avoid greasy or undercooked bites.
• Use a combination of panko and plain bread crumbs for extra crunch and texture.
• Leftover bites can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño popper bites, fried appetizers, spicy cheese balls, bacon jalapeño bites, party snacks