Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 pieces
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooking oil spray

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love whipping up a batch of Jalapeno Poppers with Mozzarella and Herbs for casual gatherings or as a spicy snack while watching a game. The combination of creamy mozzarella with fresh herbs really elevates the traditional popper, making them not just delicious but also gourmet. A little kick from the jalapenos adds excitement without overwhelming the palate. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, perfect for when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-14T08:37:35.635Z

When I first experimented with Jalapeno Poppers, I found that simply using cheddar was common, but my heart craved something creamier, something that would complement the spicy base. That’s when the idea of using mozzarella struck me! It melted beautifully, creating that desirable gooey texture I was after. Not to mention, the fresh herbs add a layer of complexity that you don't expect.

In my most recent batch, I decided to play around with different herb blends. I found that a mix of parsley and cilantro not only brightened the flavor but also added a refreshing finish, balancing the heat of the jalapenos. Trust me, this twist will have your taste buds dancing!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy mozzarella pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs.
Perfect level of heat with a crispy exterior.
Great for entertaining or a delicious snack any time.

      

Mastering the Jalapeno Prep

Handling jalapenos can be a challenge for beginners, especially when it comes to heat management. I recommend using gloves to prevent the oils from irritating your skin. When slicing, aim for a clean cut to maintain the shape, and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon to ensure your poppers won’t be overwhelmingly hot. Remember, the more seeds you leave, the spicier your poppers will be!

If you prefer a milder flavor, consider soaking the prepared jalapenos in cold water for 30 minutes before filling. This can help draw out some heat. While this technique is effective, it's essential to balance the soaking time with the desired warmth of your dish.

Perfecting the Filling

The cheese mixture is where the magic happens! Cream cheese provides a smooth base that blends effortlessly with shredded mozzarella, enhancing the creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or a touch of goat cheese for additional tang.

Make sure to mix the filling until it’s glossy and fully combined. This ensures that every bite has that heavenly cheesy goodness. If you find the mixture is too thick, a tablespoon of sour cream can help loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

Baking to Perfection

Baking the poppers at 400°F (200°C) strikes the perfect balance between cooking the jalapeno and melting the cheese. For extra crispiness, keep an eye on the poppers in the last five minutes of baking; you’re looking for golden edges on the cheese. If you have an air fryer, this recipe works wonderfully at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, resulting in an even crispier exterior.

Let the poppers cool for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. This not only helps the temperature drop to a more manageable level but also allows the cheese to set slightly, keeping it in place as you take your first bite. Trust me, you don’t want the filling to ooze out too quickly!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this vibrant dish!

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapenos
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking oil spray

Make sure all ingredients are prepped before you start!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers.

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, cream cheese, parsley, cilantro, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Fill the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into each halved jalapeno, filling generously.

Bake

Place the filled jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and jalapenos are tender.

Let the poppers cool for a couple of minutes before serving!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Jalapeno Poppers are great for meal prep! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve to ensure they come out perfectly crisp. Alternatively, you can freeze the filled poppers before baking; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag, which prevents sticking.

When ready to cook frozen poppers, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand—just bake straight from the freezer, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. This makes them an excellent last-minute appetizer for unexpected guests!

Creative Serving Suggestions

Serve these poppers with a side of tangy ranch or zesty cilantro-lime dipping sauce. You can quickly whip up a sauce by blending sour cream, lime juice, and a handful of fresh cilantro. This contrast of heat and coolness enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

For those who love a more gourmet touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of smoked sea salt or fresh herbs right before serving. A few slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole can also elevate the experience, making these poppers not only a treat for your palate but a visual delight!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapenos and filling in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble before baking.

→ Are these poppers gluten-free?

Absolutely, all the ingredients used are gluten-free, making them perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or a creamy goat cheese would work well in this recipe.

→ What can I serve with these poppers?

They pair wonderfully with a cool dip like ranch or guacamole, or you can serve them alongside salsa for extra flavor.