Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites (Print Format)
Spicy jalapeno bites stuffed with creamy cheese and bacon, wrapped in a crisp golden shell.
# Ingredients:
→ Cheese Mixture
01 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 -
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
03 -
3 jalapenos, seeded and diced
04 -
¼ cup chopped bacon
05 -
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
→ Coating
06 -
½ cup all-purpose flour
07 -
2 eggs, beaten
08 -
½ cup panko bread crumbs
09 -
½ cup plain bread crumbs
10 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 -
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
13 -
¼ teaspoon salt
→ Frying Oil
14 -
Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
# Steps:
01 -
Mix together the cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced jalapenos, chopped bacon, and sriracha sauce.
02 -
Scoop the mixture and form into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
03 -
Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and in a third bowl combine panko bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
04 -
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot with a thermometer to 350°F.
05 -
Remove cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the bread crumb mixture to fully coat.
06 -
Fry cheese balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
07 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
# Tips:
01 -
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F for 5-8 minutes or in the microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.
02 -
Prepare ahead of time by shaping and freezing the cheese balls without frying. Store in the refrigerator overnight or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying.
03 -
Nutrition facts were calculated assuming three tablespoons of oil absorption, but results may vary depending on fryer and cooking method.