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Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 136 reviews

These Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bites are a delicious, bite-sized appetizer featuring crispy phyllo shells filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapeños, topped with optional crumbled bacon for an irresistible savory treat. Perfect for parties or snacking, these easy-to-make poppers combine fresh and pickled jalapeños for a layered spicy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Phyllo Shells

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

Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 TBSP mayonnaise
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
  • 3 TBSP jarred diced jalapeño
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Topping

  • 2–3 TBSP crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Jalapeños: Remove the stem and seeds from the fresh jalapeño pepper if you prefer less heat, or keep the seeds for extra spice. Finely mince the jalapeño to incorporate into the cheese filling.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the filling.
  3. Arrange Phyllo Shells: Lay out the frozen phyllo shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and set aside to fill.
  4. Mix Cheese Filling: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature or warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make mixing easier. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese with the grated sharp cheddar and mayonnaise until smooth.
  5. Add Jalapeños and Seasoning: Stir in both the freshly minced jalapeños and the jarred diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture. Season with garlic powder and salt. For extra heat, optionally add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper at this stage.
  6. Fill Phyllo Shells: Spoon the cheese and jalapeño mixture generously into each phyllo shell, ensuring each is well filled but not overflowing.
  7. Add Topping: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon or veggie bacon bits on top of each filled shell for added flavor and texture. This step can be skipped if desired.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the phyllo shells are crisp and golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, cheesy jalapeño popper bites as a perfect appetizer or snack!

Notes

  • Use both fresh and jarred jalapeños for a balance of fresh heat and tangy pickled flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños or leave seeds in for a spicier bite.
  • Bacon topping is optional; vegetarian versions can use veggie bacon bits or omit entirely.
  • Phyllo shells can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores; no need to thaw before filling.
  • For even crispier shells, bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, appetizer, phyllo shells, spicy snacks, party bites, cream cheese, cheddar cheese

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/cheesy-jalapeno-popper-bites-recipe/