Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites are a perfect appetizer that combines creamy cheese with a spicy kick. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 30 frozen phyllo shells (two 15-count packages)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 TBSP mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 3 TBSP jarred diced jalapeño
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2-3 TBSP crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a baking sheet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature or warm lightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Combine with the grated cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, mixing thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Remove the stem and seeds from the fresh jalapeño (keep seeds if you prefer more heat) and mince it finely.
4. Step 4: Stir the fresh minced jalapeño and jarred diced jalapeño into the cheese mixture. Season with garlic powder and salt. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if desired.
5. Step 5: Fill each phyllo shell with the cheese and jalapeño mixture. Top with crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits, or omit for a vegetarian version.
6. Step 6: Bake the filled phyllo shells for 10-15 minutes at 375°F, until the shells are crispy and the filling is hot and melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Using a mix of fresh and jarred jalapeños gives a balanced flavor with both freshness and tangy pickled heat.
• Try substituting sharp cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy twist.
• To make these vegetarian, simply leave out the bacon or use your favorite plant-based bacon bits.
• If you prefer milder bites, remove all jalapeño seeds and use less fresh jalapeño.

Storage

Store leftover popper bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese and jalapeño mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but fill the phyllo shells just before baking to keep them crisp.

What if I can’t find phyllo shells?

You can use mini tart shells or small puff pastry cups as alternatives. Just adjust the baking time as needed until crispy and heated through.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 bites 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

These Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites are a delicious, bite-sized appetizer featuring crispy phyllo shells filled with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, fresh and pickled jalapeños, and topped with smoky bacon bits. Perfectly baked to melty perfection, they offer a spicy, cheesy crunch that’s ideal for parties or snacks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Phyllo Shells

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

Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 TBSP mayo
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Jalapeños

• 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
• 3 TBSP jarred diced jalapeño
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp salt

Toppings

• 2–3 TBSP crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the popper bites to a crispy finish.
2. Prepare Phyllo Shells: Arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a baking sheet and set them aside, ready to be filled.
3. Make Cheese Mixture: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature or warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and mayo, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
4. Prepare Jalapeños: Remove the stem and seeds from the fresh jalapeño pepper—retain seeds if you prefer extra heat—and mince finely. Then combine the minced fresh jalapeño with the jarred diced jalapeños.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the jalapeño mixture to the cheese mixture along with garlic powder and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. Optionally, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if desired for extra spiciness.
6. Fill Phyllo Shells: Spoon the jalapeño cheese mixture evenly into each phyllo shell. Top each filled shell with crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits for added texture and smoky flavor. Bacon topping can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the phyllo shells are crispy and golden brown and the filling is hot and melty.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm for the best cheesy, spicy experience.

Notes

• Combining both fresh and jarred jalapeños creates a richer flavor with a pleasing mix of heat and tanginess.
• For milder bites, omit the seeds in the fresh jalapeño or reduce the amount used.
• Bacon can be replaced with veggie bacon bits to suit vegetarian preferences or omitted completely.
• Phyllo shells should remain frozen until ready to use to maintain their shape during baking.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for an extra kick if desired.

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

Keywords: jalapeño popper bites, cheesy appetizers, phyllo shell snacks, party appetizers, spicy bites, bacon jalapeño poppers