Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; Oil for frying; 2 ripe avocados; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt to taste; Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Kitchen

I love making Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream for gatherings. The combination of spicy jalapenos and creamy avocado creates an irresistible appetizer. I enjoy the crunch of the golden-brown breadcrumb topping paired with a cool and refreshing dip. There's something special about serving these poppers when friends come over; it instantly elevates the atmosphere. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, and the flavors are simply amazing together, ensuring they’re always a hit at any party!

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:53:34.308Z

Making Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream has become one of my favorite culinary adventures. I remember the first time I stuffed the jalapenos, I worried about the heat level. However, I learned that removing the seeds and membranes calms down the spice and enhances the flavor without overwhelming the palate.

As I dipped the crispy, fried poppers into a smooth avocado cream, I realized that balance in flavors is key. The creaminess of the avocado beautifully contrasts with the heat of the peppers, creating a perfect harmony that keeps everyone coming back for more!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Spicy crunch paired with creamy avocado dip
Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing
Great balance of heat and flavor

      

Perfecting the Jalapeno Poppers

To achieve the ideal balance of heat and flavor, selecting the right jalapenos is crucial. Opt for firm, unblemished jalapenos with a vibrant green hue. Larger jalapenos tend to have a milder flavor, making them great for those who might be sensitive to heat. After cutting and deseeding, consider removing all membranes to reduce spiciness even further—this helps create a more approachable appetizer for your guests.

When mixing your filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending. This ensures a smooth consistency, allowing the cheeses to combine. If you're looking to add a twist, consider incorporating spices like smoked paprika or even chopped pickled jalapenos for extra flavor depth. Aim for a filling you can easily scoop and pack, as the right texture will prevent spillover during frying.

Frying Techniques for Crispiness

Frying the poppers requires the right oil and temperature to achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, and heat it to approximately 350°F (175°C). This temperature is critical—too low, and the poppers will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy. Too high, and the breadcrumbs might burn before the filling heats through. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature; a few poppers at a time will yield the best results.

While frying, keep an eye on the poppers and turn them halfway through cooking to ensure uniform golden-brown coloring. You’ll know they’re ready to come out of the oil when they float and have achieved a beautiful golden hue, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to gently remove them and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them crispy once plated.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create the best Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream!

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

For the Avocado Cream

2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you're ready to start preparing these delicious poppers!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers with Avocado Cream:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. This helps control the heat level.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Fill each jalapeno half with this mixture.

Bread the Poppers

Coat each filled jalapeno with breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully covered.

Fry the Poppers

Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the poppers in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side.

Prepare the Avocado Cream

In a blender, combine ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot jalapeno poppers with a side of avocado cream for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to dive into your delicious Jalapeno Poppers!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon bits to the cream cheese mixture. If frying isn't your preference, you can bake the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until golden.

Crafting the Avocado Cream

Creating a smooth avocado cream is equally important as preparing the jalapeno poppers. Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe—this means they will yield slightly to gentle pressure. If they are too firm, your dip will be chunky, while overripe avocados can bruise easily and spoil the flavor. A high-speed blender or food processor is essential for achieving the creamy consistency that complements the heat of the poppers; blending for at least 30 seconds will help achieve a velvety texture without lumps.

Don’t skip the lime juice—it not only adds flavor but also prevents the avocados from browning too quickly. If you plan to make the avocado cream ahead of time, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the cream to minimize air exposure. When ready to serve, simply give it a quick stir and adjust seasoning as needed for a fresh taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your jalapeno poppers warm, accompanied by the avocado cream in a small bowl for easy dipping. For an elevated presentation, consider garnishing the plate with slices of fresh lime and sprigs of cilantro. This adds a burst of color and freshness that visually appeals to guests. Additionally, offering a variety of dips, such as ranch or salsa, can cater to different palates and make your appetizer spread more enticing.

If you're looking for variations, consider stuffing the jalapenos with different ingredients like chorizo, feta cheese, or even smoked salmon for a gourmet twist. For a healthier option, you can bake the poppers instead of frying them; simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden. This method not only reduces oil but also makes cleanup easier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed jalapenos and refrigerate them for up to a day before frying.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

→ Are these poppers very spicy?

The spice level depends on how much of the seeds and membranes you remove. Adjust according to your preference!

→ Can I bake the poppers instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until crispy.