Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 pieces
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 1 cup sweet corn, canned or frozen; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for brushing

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love kicking off gatherings with my Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese. The spicy kick from the jalapenos perfectly complements the sweet corn and rich cheese, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. These vibrant poppers are a great way to bring a touch of excitement to your snack table. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Just a few ingredients and some quick prep time are all you need to achieve that delightful blend of flavors and textures everyone raves about.

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:04:12.007Z

When I first tried making Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared at my parties. The combination of ingredients creates a burst of flavor that has everyone coming back for more. I love experimenting with different cheeses, but I always go back to a classic cheddar and cream cheese mix for that creamy, gooey goodness.

One important tip I discovered is to soak the jalapenos in cold water before stuffing them. It helps tone down the heat, making them more enjoyable for everyone, even those who are a bit spice-sensitive. Trust me; your guests will thank you for this little trick!

        What You'll Love About These Poppers
        The perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors
Creamy, cheesy filling that oozes with every bite
Ideal for game nights, parties, or casual get-togethers

      

The Balance of Flavors

Achieving the right balance of spicy and sweet in these Jalapeno Poppers is essential. The sweetness of the corn complements the heat from the jalapenos beautifully. If you prefer a milder flavor, you may remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat, or consider using milder peppers like Anaheim instead of traditional jalapenos. This adjustment allows for a smoother, approachable popper that still delights with flavor.

The cream cheese and cheddar create a luscious texture that contrasts with the crunchy jalapeno skin. I recommend using a good-quality block cream cheese rather than the whipped variety to maintain the structure of the filling. This adds richness and creaminess, essential for that gooey satisfaction you crave with each bite.

Stuffing Techniques

Make sure to pack the jalapenos well with the filling to prevent them from collapsing during baking. Overfilling can cause cheese to spill out, resulting in a mess on your baking sheet—just a light dusting of olive oil can alleviate sticking. I like to use a small spatula or butter knife for stuffing, as it helps to push the mixture down into the pepper, ensuring they are well-filled and each bite bursts with flavor.

If you're in a time crunch, consider preparing the filling ahead of time. It can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and your prep time on the day of serving will be significantly reduced.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started with your Jalapeno Poppers:

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapenos
1 cup sweet corn, canned or frozen
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. You can soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to help tone down the spice.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sweet corn, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese and corn mixture. Make sure they are packed well.

Bake the Poppers

Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are slightly blistered.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the poppers warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Enjoy these delicious poppers as a standout appetizer!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, you can top the poppers with breadcrumbs before baking. Feel free to add spices or herbs you enjoy to customize the flavor.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers—though I doubt it—store the poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps them crispy rather than soggy, ensuring you maintain that delightful texture with each bite.

For freezing, I recommend baking the poppers first and then letting them cool completely. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer without thawing at 375°F (190°C), adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

These Jalapeno Poppers shine with the right dipping sauce. I love serving them with a cool ranch dressing, as the creamy texture complements the heat perfectly. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the poppers just before dipping adds a bright note that cuts through the richness, enhancing the overall experience.

For something a little spicier, try a chipotle aioli or a mango salsa. The sweetness from the mango balances the heat while adding a refreshing element. Experimenting with different sauces can provide new flavor profiles and keep your appetizer game fresh and exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos and the filling a day in advance. Just stuff them before you plan to bake.

→ How spicy are these jalapeno poppers?

The spice can vary based on the jalapenos used. If you're concerned about the heat, removing the seeds and membranes will help reduce it.

→ Can I freeze the jalapeno poppers?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook them from frozen.

→ What dipping sauce goes well with jalapeno poppers?

They pair nicely with sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a spicy marinara sauce.