Description
Sizzling jalapeño popper pigs in a blanket merge spicy Mexican-inspired flavors with classic comfort. Crispy bacon-wrapped sausages deliver irresistible zest and creamy cheese, promising a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 8 cocktail sausages (small hot dogs)
Peppers and Cheese:
- 4 jalapeno peppers, fresh
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Coating and Binding:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Carefully slice jalapeno peppers lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes to reduce heat intensity while maintaining their vibrant flavor profile.
- Mix cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a bowl, creating a smooth, creamy filling that will complement the spicy peppers and savory meat.
- Combine ground pork with cocktail sausages, gently blending to create a uniform meat mixture without overworking the proteins.
- Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese blend, ensuring an even distribution of the rich, tangy filling.
- Wrap the cheese-filled peppers with the seasoned meat mixture, completely encasing them in a protective protein layer.
- Prepare a breading station by whisking eggs in one bowl, mixing dry ingredients (flour, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder) in another.
- Carefully coat each meat-wrapped pepper in the egg wash, then thoroughly dredge in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, creating a crisp, golden exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even, golden-brown frying.
- Fry the prepared jalapeno poppers for 5-6 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform browning and complete cooking of the meat.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, allowing the exterior to crisp and the interior to remain juicy and flavorful.
- Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow internal temperatures to stabilize and flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Remove jalapeno seeds carefully to control spice level, perfect for those with sensitive palates or who prefer milder heat.
- Substitute ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers rich, satisfying flavor.
- Prep ahead by assembling poppers and refrigerating before frying, which helps breading adhere better and creates a crispier exterior.
- Consider baking instead of frying at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier alternative with less oil but similar golden-brown crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg