Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites are a deliciously spicy and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for parties or snacking. These bite-sized treats combine sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and fresh jalapeños in crispy phyllo shells for a flavorful popper experience.

Ingredients

• 30 frozen phyllo shells (two 15-count packages)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 TBSP mayo
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 3 TBSP jarred diced jalapeño
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2-3 TBSP crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Step 2: Soften the cream cheese by bringing it to room temperature or warming it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated cheddar, and mayo, mixing thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Remove the stem and seeds from the fresh jalapeño pepper (leave seeds in if you prefer a spicier bite), then finely mince it. Add both the fresh minced jalapeño and the jarred diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
4. Step 4: Season the mixture with garlic powder and salt, stirring well. For an extra kick, optional crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be added here.
5. Step 5: Spoon the jalapeño cheese mixture evenly into the phyllo shells. Top each filled shell with crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits if you prefer a vegetarian option.
6. Step 6: Bake the assembled bites at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, until the phyllo is crisp and the filling is hot and melty. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy jalapeño popper bites!

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of fresh and jarred jalapeños for a balanced, flavorful heat and tang.
• To make these vegetarian, simply omit bacon or use your favorite veggie bacon bits.
• If you prefer milder bites, remove all jalapeño seeds or reduce the amount of fresh jalapeño.
• Substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack for an extra layer of spice.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the phyllo shells from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese and jalapeño filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the bacon topping and bake when ready.

What can I use instead of phyllo shells?

If phyllo shells aren’t available, mini tart shells or wonton wrappers can be used as a substitute for holding the filling.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 30 bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites are bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties and gatherings. They feature a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh and pickled jalapeños, and a touch of garlic seasoning, all nestled in crispy phyllo shells and topped with crumbled bacon for an irresistible combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Phyllo Shells

• 30 frozen phyllo shells (two 15-count packages)

Cheese Mixture

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Jalapeños

• 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
• 3 tbsp jarred diced jalapeño

Seasonings & Toppings

• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Jalapeños: Remove the stem and seeds from the fresh jalapeño pepper (retain seeds if more heat is desired) and finely mince the pepper. The recipe uses both fresh minced jalapeños and pickled jarred diced jalapeños for a balanced flavor.
2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the filling and shells.
3. Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the frozen phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet and set aside.
4. Make Cheese Mixture: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature or warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make mixing easier. Combine it with the grated sharp cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, stirring well until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Jalapeños and Season: Stir the fresh minced jalapeños and jarred diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture. Season with 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Optionally, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
6. Fill Phyllo Shells: Spoon the cheese and jalapeño mixture into each phyllo shell, filling them generously but neatly.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle each filled shell with crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits for added texture and flavor. Bacon is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the phyllo shells are crispy and golden, and the cheese filling is hot and melty.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack.

Notes

• Use both fresh and pickled jalapeños for optimal flavor and texture, but you can substitute one type if preferred.
• Bacon is optional; veggie bacon bits or omitting the bacon altogether still results in tasty bites.
• Adjust the spice level by keeping or removing jalapeño seeds and by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if desired.
• Phyllo shells can be found frozen in the freezer section of grocery stores; do not thaw before filling and baking.
• These bites are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in the oven if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño popper bites, cheese appetizer, phyllo shells, party snacks, spicy appetizers, baked jalapeño bites