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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the popper bites to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Phyllo Shells: Arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a baking sheet and set them aside, ready to be filled.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
