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Ever have those days where you crave something cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying? That's how these Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Peppers came to be! I was experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate something I had at a local dive bar, and after a few tries, BAM! These little flavor bombs were born. They're the perfect appetizer for game night, a fun snack for parties, or even a surprisingly delicious side dish for a barbecue. Don't be scared away by the jalapeños; removing the seeds and membranes tames the heat, leaving you with a delightful kick that's just right. My friend, Sarah, who is a total spice wimp, even loved them! She told me they had just the right amount of heat.
What's truly fantastic about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add some cooked ground meat for extra heartiness, or sprinkle a bit of your favorite seasoning blend on top. The possibilities are endless! Picture this: A tray of these golden-brown beauties, fresh out of the oven, the aroma of melted cheese and spicy jalapeños filling the air. It’s an experience that’s both simple and extraordinary. These stuffed peppers aren’t just food; they’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Plus, let's be real, who can resist melted cheese?
Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Peppers: Cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying! These flavor-packed appetizers are perfect for parties, game night, or a fun snack.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:12 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the peppers cook evenly and the cheese melts just right.
Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash the jalapeños thoroughly. Wear gloves if you're sensitive to spice – trust me, it's better safe than sorry! Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This is where most of the heat is, so be thorough unless you like it extra spicy.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions. If you're adding cooked ground meat, stir it in now. Mix everything until it's well combined and creamy. I like to add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor, but that's totally optional.
Stuff the Peppers: Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture. Don't be shy; pile it high! Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze.
Bake the Peppers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the cheese a chance to set up a bit. Garnish with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy immediately! They're great as an appetizer or a side dish. I once took these to a party and they were gone in minutes!
📝 Notes
For less heat, be sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
Add cooked ground beef or turkey for a heartier filling.