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 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 1 cup corn (fresh or canned); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray

Highlighted under: Warm Meal Inspirations

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Corn and Cheese for gatherings because they never fail to impress! The creamy cheese paired with sweet corn and the kick of jalapenos creates a delightful balance of flavors that my friends and family can’t get enough of. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing me to enjoy the party without being stuck in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple at your events.

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:31:12.834Z

When I first tested these Jalapeno Poppers, I was unsure how the combination of corn and cheese would work with the heat of the jalapenos. I was excited to find that the sweet corn softens the bite of the peppers, resulting in a flavor explosion that I just can’t resist! Using fresh jalapenos adds an incredible crunch, and baking them instead of frying keeps them lighter yet still packed with flavor.

I recommend a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top before serving; it adds a brightness that elevates the poppers to the next level. Plus, you can easily customize the cheese blend to suit your taste. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate snack!

Why You Will Love These Poppers
A perfect balance of spicy and sweet with each bite
Creamy, cheesy goodness paired with crunchy jalapenos
Easy to prepare and great for parties or as a snack

Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Poppers

Choosing the right jalapenos is key to making this dish a success. Look for smooth, firm peppers that are free of blemishes. The size of the jalapeno can affect the filling-to-pepper ratio, so opt for large ones to ensure a generous portion of the creamy filling. If you want more heat, you can leave some seeds or membranes intact, but be cautious as this can intensify the spice significantly.

To achieve that perfectly creamy filling, ensure your cream cheese is adequately softened before mixing. This helps create a smooth mixture that can be easily spooned into the jalapenos without tearing them. If you forget to soften the cream cheese in advance, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can become too runny.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of my favorite aspects of these Jalapeno Poppers is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare the jalapenos and fill them with the cheese mixture up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time on the day of your event but allows the flavors to meld a bit more, resulting in even more delicious poppers.

Leftover poppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy texture, you could also pop them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5-8 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious poppers:

Ingredients

12 large jalapenos
1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Make sure to prepare the jalapenos carefully; wearing gloves is recommended!

Instructions

Here's how to whip up these amazing 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 flavor. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Fill the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, packing them slightly to ensure each one is filled generously.

Bake the Poppers

Spray the tops of the filled jalapenos with cooking spray for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are tender.

Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding spices or herbs to the cheese mixture, such as smoked paprika or chives. Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your desired spice level.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the cheese in this recipe! If you’re looking for a sharper taste, consider substituting half of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese, which adds both creaminess and an extra kick. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, mozzarella works beautifully and gives a delightful stretchiness to the filling while dampening the heat from the jalapenos.

For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the corn with black beans or diced bell peppers. Not only does this keep the dish vibrant and colorful, but it also adds extra texture and nutrients. Other options include adding diced cooked bacon for a smokier flavor, which complements the cheese perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

These Jalapeno Poppers are fantastic as-is, but serving them with a dipping sauce can elevate your app experience. A cooling ranch or a zesty cilantro-lime crema can provide a perfect contrast to the spiciness of the jalapenos. You can easily whip up a quick ranch by mixing sour cream with ranch seasoning, or for a zesty touch, blend sour cream with lime juice and fresh cilantro.

Another fun serving suggestion is to pair the poppers with a bright, refreshing salsa. Mango salsa would be particularly delightful, as the sweetness counters the heat beautifully, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. Adding a small side of guacamole can also complement the dish well, offering creaminess and additional flavors that enhances the overall serving theme.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos with the filling, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I serve with jalapeno poppers?

They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, sour cream, or guacamole as dipping sauces.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.

→ Are these poppers gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.