If you’re searching for the ultimate game day appetizer that packs a punch, look no further than stuffed jalapenos. These spicy, cheesy bites of goodness are guaranteed to be the star of your next party. And if you need a dairy-free version, I’ve got you covered! Because everyone deserves the joy of a good jalapeno popper, no matter their dietary restrictions!
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
One of my favorite ways to use fresh jalapenos from the garden is to make stuffed jalapenos. They’re the perfect appetizer or side dish for any Tex-Mex meal. I especially love whipping them up during football season. Go Chiefs! And let me tell you, when I take these to a potluck or similar gathering, guests always gobble them up faster than you can say, “Damn, these are good!” (Or in my sister’s case, “Ow, my tongue is on fire!”) So, if you plan on sharing, you may want to make a double batch, because these baked jalapeno poppers always disappear in no time.
In This Article
Are Jalapenos Good for You?
Jalapenos are not only a flavorful way to add a little kick to any dish — they are also packed with health benefits. According to Livestrong.com, these fiery peppers “provide multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a healthy body.”
How so? One jalapeno pepper provides more than your daily requirement of vitamin C, which is essential for a robust immune system and healthy skin. Jalapenos also contain vitamin A, are good for your eyes, and contain vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. Also, jalapenos are rich in capsaicin, which is responsible for their spiciness. Capsaicin offers several health benefits, including pain relief, improved metabolism, and potentially even cancer prevention. So basically, jalapenos are nature’s spicy multivitamin. Who knew being healthy could be so delicious?
How to Deseed a Jalapeno
Deseeding jalapenos is fast and easy when you use this approach. First, wash the jalapenos thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Then, gently roll each pepper against the kitchen counter to loosen the seeds inside. (You may be tempted to skip this step, but trust me, this little trick makes the whole process much easier!)
After washing and rolling the jalapenos, slice them in half lengthwise. Then, scoop out and discard the seeds and ribs using a small spoon or this handy dandy tool. Your jalapenos are now ready to be stuffed!
Sage Advice: I like to wear culinary-grade disposable gloves when I work with spicy peppers. They help protect my hands from the capsaicin, which can cause a burning sensation.
How to Make Stuffed Jalapenos
Ready to make some mouthwatering stuffed jalapenos? Here’s what you do:
- Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prep the jalapenos.
- Brown ground chicken sausage, drain, and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Stir in softened cream cheese and shredded cheese (see notes below for dairy-free version).
- Fill the jalapeno halves with the sausage and cream cheese mixture and bake until lightly browned.
And there you have it! Delicious stuffed jalapenos that will make you the hero of any gathering.
How to Make Dairy-Free Stuffed Jalapenos
Use this ingredient list for a dairy-free version of these delicious stuffed jalapenos. Then, follow the same instructional steps in the regular recipe below.
1 lb jalapenos, about 12 peppers
1 lb ground chicken sausage
8 oz vegan cream cheese, softened (I recommend Violife’s vegan cream cheese)
1 cup vegan cheese shreds (I recommend Violife’s Mexican-style shreds)
Stuffed Jalapenos
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 1 lb ground chicken sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened- see notes for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (see notes for dairy-free option)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
- Wash the jalapenos and gently roll each back and forth on a cutting board to help loosen the seeds.
- Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Dump out and discard the loose seeds, and remove the ribs. (See additional tips above.)
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked.
- Drain the grease from the sausage and discard.
- Pour the cooked meat into a large mixing bowl and break into small crumbles with a spatula.
- Add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheese to the cooked sausage. Stir to combine.
- Fill the jalapeno pepper halves with the sausage and cream cheese mixture (about 2 tablespoons per pepper).
- Place the stuffed jalapenos on the parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing mixture is bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
- To make these stuffed jalapeno peppers dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese. Scroll to the “How to Make Dairy-Free Stuffed Jalapenos” section for more details.
- If you don’t have shredded Mexican blend cheese, shredded cheddar cheese works well.
- If you want to add a little crunch, toss breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the stuffed jalapenos just before baking. Both regular breadcrumbs and panko crumbs work well!
- If you have leftover cream cheese filling, thin it with a little milk (using your favorite dairy-free option if needed) and serve it over biscuits for an alpha-gal-friendly version of biscuits and gravy.
