Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for brushing

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese for gatherings and get-togethers. The heat from the jalapenos combined with the sweetness of the corn creates a perfectly balanced snack that everyone enjoys. Each bite is rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of kick. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare! I often find myself making an extra batch because they disappear so quickly. Whether it’s for a game day or a casual lunch, these poppers never disappoint.

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:31:12.123Z

When I first tried making Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese, I was looking for a fun appetizer that wasn’t just your typical stuffed jalapenos. The addition of corn was a game changer! It adds sweetness and a delightful crunch that complements the creaminess of the cheese. When baking them, I use a combination of cream cheese and cheddar to achieve that melty perfection that everyone loves.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with different spices and toppings. My favorite tip is to sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top before baking; it enhances the overall flavor and gives the poppers a beautiful finish. Trust me, once you try this twist, you won’t go back to the plain version!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors
Easy to prepare, making them great for any occasion
Perfect for sharing, but you might not want to!

      

Choosing the Right Jalapenos

Selecting the right jalapenos is crucial for a good popper experience. Look for firm, glossy peppers that feel heavy in hand. Firmness indicates freshness, while a slightly glossy surface suggests juiciness inside. If you prefer milder poppers, choose larger jalapenos, as they tend to have more flesh and fewer seeds. Alternatively, for extra heat and a more intense flavor, opt for smaller, skinnier ones that may carry a fiery punch.

When preparing the jalapenos, consider the technique. If you're unsure about the heat level, cut one open and taste a small piece of the membrane or seeds. If it’s too spicy, you can remove more of the seeds and membranes from the rest. Wearing gloves during this process is advisable to avoid skin irritation, especially if handling several jalapenos.

Making the Filling Stick

The cream cheese acts as a base that perfectly complements the richness of cheddar cheese, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness. To ensure your filling sticks well, mix the cream cheese until it’s ultra-smooth and soft. This might take a minute or two of vigorous mixing, but it results in a paste-like texture that holds up better inside the jalapenos during baking. You want to achieve a consistency that spreads easily but won’t just melt away during cooking.

For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating other ingredients such as diced cooked bacon or finely chopped green onions into your filling. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful crunch. Adjust the spices according to your flavor preference; adding a pinch of cayenne can amplify the heat if you love an extra kick.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These Jalapeno Poppers can be served in various innovative ways. Try pairing them with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip to balance out the spiciness with a creamy texture. Alternatively, a zesty salsa or guacamole offers a fresh contrast that’s incredibly refreshing. I personally love a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top for a sweet and tangy finish that complements the flavors beautifully.

For a fun twist, you can turn these poppers into a complete meal by stuffing them with additional ingredients like cooked quinoa or shredded chicken before baking. This transforms them into a heartier dish, perfect for gatherings where guests expect something a bit more substantial.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious jalapeno poppers:

Ingredients

12 large jalapenos
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for brushing

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can proceed to the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder taste. For extra heat, leave some seeds intact.

Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, corn, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Generously stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Brush the top of the poppers lightly with oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are tender.

Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful poppers as a snack, appetizer, or party food!

And there you have it! Delicious jalapeno poppers with a creamy corn and cheese filling!

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on the poppers before baking.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the baked Jalapeno Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. However, the texture may soften due to the cream cheese, so enjoy them as fresh as possible. When storing, avoid stacking them directly on top of one another to prevent them from losing shape or sticking together.

For a quicker reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. I prefer avoiding the microwave, as it can make the poppers soggy. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked poppers for up to a month. Just prepare them as directed, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Variations to Try

To shake things up, experiment with different cheese combinations such as pepper jack for an extra spicy version or a mixture of mozzarella and goat cheese for a creamy blend. For a fun twist, consider wrapping each stuffed jalapeno in a slice of prosciutto or bacon before baking—it adds crunch and a delightful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppers.

Vegetarian version? Swap out the cheese for a mixture of roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative, such as cashew cheese or tofu cream, to accommodate dietary preferences while keeping the texture creamy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your poppers are coming out soggy, it may be due to excess moisture in the jalapenos or the filling. Make sure to drain any liquid from the corn well before mixing. After baking, allow them to sit for a few minutes, which can help firm up slightly. If you find your cheese is not melting properly, ensure you’re using a good quality cheese and, if necessary, set your oven to broil for a couple of minutes at the end to get that perfect bubbly finish.

Should your filling be too runny, try adding a bit more shredded cheese or a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up. This can help retain its shape better when stuffed into the jalapenos, ensuring each bite offers that desired creaminess without overflowing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapenos and filling in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving.

→ What if I want them spicier?

You can keep some seeds in the jalapenos or add some diced jalapeno into the cheese mixture for extra heat.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses to suit your taste, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.