Cheese-stuffed jalapeños

Tapas Spicy Cheese Drinks Quick Vegetarian

Stuffed jalapeños are the kind of snack that makes everyone at the table happy. The combination of spicy pepper and creamy cheese always works, whether you're throwing together an impromptu drinks gathering or planning an elaborate tapas evening. Serve them on small tapas dishes for a cosy, no-nonsense presentation that instantly whets the appetite.

Recipe

Cheese-stuffed jalapeños

Cheese-stuffed jalapeños with a creamy cheese filling are the perfect spicy bite for drinks or a tapas night. Quick to make, flavorful and always a hit.

Course	Drinks / Tapas
Kitchen	Mexican
Servings	4 servings

Preparation time

Preparation time	10 min
Time in oven	18 min
Stiffen up min.	2 min
Total	30 min

Equipment

Oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Spoon or piping nozzle

Ingredients

12 jalapeños
150 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
80 g cheddar, grated (plus extra for sprinkling)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
50 g bacon lardons or diced bacon (optional)
Fresh chives or sriracha for garnish

How to make cheese-stuffed jalapeños?

Preheat the oven to 200°C (conventional oven).
Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds with a teaspoon. Want more heat? Leave some of the seeds in.
Mix the cream cheese with the grated cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper until you have a smooth filling.
Spoon the cheese filling generously into each jalapeño half. Sprinkle the bacon strips or diced bacon over them as well if you’re using it.
Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with extra grated cheddar.
Bake the jalapeños for 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Take them out of the oven and let rest for two minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or a drizzle of sriracha and serve immediately.

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These stuffed jalapeños are best served straight from the oven, while the cheese is still soft and melty. Present them on small tapas plates so everyone can easily grab and taste. A tapas evening is all about sharing, and this snack is guaranteed to be the first to go.

Vary to your taste: add a spoonful of honey for a sweet-and-spicy twist, or use blue cheese instead of cheddar for a more pronounced flavour. With the right small plates and bowls, you can turn each bite into a true culinary moment to enjoy together.