A well-made jalapeño popper is one of the most crowd-reliable appetizers in existence. The combination of heat from the pepper, richness from the cheese and filling, and crunch from the exterior satisfies the table fast and bridges any gap between arrivals and dinner.
Our Jalapeño Poppers (6-pack, $15) are stuffed with seasoned beef filling. They ship frozen, ready for the oven or air fryer without any prep beyond removing from the packaging.
Why Beef Filling
Most commercial jalapeño poppers are filled with cream cheese and sometimes wrapped in bacon. Ours use a seasoned beef filling — which means the heat from the jalapeño and the savory depth from the beef complement each other rather than the cream cheese softening the experience into something mild and rich. These are poppers for people who actually like jalapeños.
How to Cook Them
Oven method: Preheat to 375°F. Place poppers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet — the rack allows air circulation around the entire popper, which produces more even cooking than placing directly on the sheet. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until the exterior is set and the filling is heated through to 165°F internal. The peppers will be softened and slightly charred at the tips.
Air fryer method: 370°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Do not crowd the basket — leave at least half an inch between poppers for air circulation. Check at 10 minutes. Air fryer produces a slightly crispier exterior than the oven.
Important: Let the poppers rest for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking before serving. The internal filling will be very hot — biting into one directly off the heat is a reliable way to burn the roof of your mouth.
Where They Fit
These work best as a bridge appetizer — something to throw on the table while the main course finishes cooking. They are too substantial to be a passed canapé at a large event but ideal for a smaller group where they can be eaten in hand while conversation happens. Six per pack is right for two to four people as an appetizer portion.
Available in our Appetizers collection.