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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the filling and shells.
Arrange Phyllo Shells: Place the frozen phyllo shells evenly spaced on a baking sheet and set aside.
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.
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.
Fill Phyllo Shells: Spoon the cheese and jalapeño mixture into each phyllo shell, filling them generously but neatly.
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.
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.
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