Dinner

Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites Recipe

ByVictor Layne December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Introduction

Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites are crispy, cheesy delights packed with spicy jalapeños and savory bacon. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a tasty snack anytime.

The image shows several round, golden-brown crispy balls with a rough, crunchy texture on the outside. One ball is broken open, revealing a creamy, gooey yellow center with bits of green herbs and small pieces of what looks like bacon or savory bits mixed in. The outer crust is thick and crumbly, covering the smooth, rich filling inside. The balls are arranged closely together on a surface with a white marbled texture. The topping on each ball appears lightly sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
3 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
¼ cup chopped bacon
2 tbsp sriracha sauce
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
Peanut oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped bacon, and sriracha sauce until well combined.
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.
Step 3: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third with combined panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Heat peanut or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350˚F (175˚C).
Step 5: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball first into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture.
Step 6: Fry several bites at a time for 2-3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain the fried bites on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.
Swap pepper jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for different flavors.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version.
Serve with ranch dressing or extra sriracha for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover Jalapeno Popper Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350˚F until warmed through and crispy again.