Ingredients:
- 24 jalapeño peppers (wide ones are best)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepping the Jalapenos: Start by wearing gloves to avoid chili burn. Carefully hollow out the peppers using a sharp paring knife or a specialized pepper corer. Try to remove all seeds and membranes for a milder heat.
- Making the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well-blended. This combination offers a smooth, creamy texture with a hint of sharpness from the cheddar.
- Stuffing the Peppers: Carefully stuff each hollowed jalapeno with the cheese mixture using a small spoon. Ensure the filling is compacted to avoid air pockets.
- Preparing for Breading: Whip up the batter by combining eggs and milk. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, panko, salt, and pepper for the breading.
- Breading: Dip each stuffed pepper first in the batter, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. For a thicker crust, repeat this step twice.
- Frying: Heat your oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F. Fry the poppers for 3-4 minutes, turning them once, until they are golden and crispy. If the peppers are larger, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
- Serving: Serve these hot and crispy poppers immediately. They pair wonderfully with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
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Additional Tips and Techniques:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for extra heat.
- Season the Batter: Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne to the batter for extra flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Keep a consistent oil temperature. If it’s too low, the poppers will absorb too much oil and be greasy; if too high, they’ll burn outside before cooking inside.
- Serving Suggestions: Apart from ranch or sour cream, these poppers also go great with a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty marinara for dipping.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded poppers on a wire rack at 400°F for about 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Storage Tips: Leftover poppers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Enjoy this Deep Fried Jalapeno Poppers recipe, a surefire hit for any gathering or a spicy, satisfying snack. With a perfect blend of creamy and spicy, wrapped in a crunchy coating, they’re a joy for the taste buds!”