Description
Jalapeno Popper Bites are crispy, deep-fried cheese balls filled with a spicy and creamy mixture of cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, diced jalapenos, and smoky bacon. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and fried until golden brown, these bites are the perfect appetizer for parties or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 3 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
- ¼ cup chopped bacon
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
Breading
- 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
Frying
- Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced jalapenos, chopped bacon, and sriracha sauce. Mix until well blended and creamy.
- Form the bites: Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare dredging stations: Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and in a third bowl combine the panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Heat the oil: Pour peanut or canola oil into a deep fryer or a large pot and heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Coat the bites: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Roll each ball first in the flour to coat evenly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry: Carefully place several coated bites into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure jalapenos are seeded if you prefer milder bites; leave seeds for extra heat.
- Freezing the bites before breading and frying helps them hold their shape better and prevents melting during frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for crispy and properly cooked bites without absorbing excess oil.
- For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or serve with additional sriracha sauce on the side.
- Use peanut or canola oil as they have high smoke points and provide a clean frying flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose and plain bread crumbs with gluten-free versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jalapeno popper bites, fried appetizers, cheesy jalapeno bites, spicy snacks, party appetizers
