Jalapeño Popper Meatballs a Spicy Cheesy Kick for Any Occasion
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get a craving for something spicy and cheesy? These jalapeno popper meatballs are your answer. They are bursting with flavour and offer an easy twist on a classic appetizer.
Brief Overview
These cheesy meatballs are inspired by the beloved jalapeno popper appetizers . This spicy meatball recipe is fairly straightforward, but packs a flavour punch.
You'll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes, resulting in approximately 24 meatballs. These could serve 6-8 as an appetizer, or 4 as a main course.
Main Benefits
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. These ground beef and pork meatballs provide a good dose of protein.
They are perfect as game day meatballs or a fun addition to any party. What sets them apart is the delightful creamy, spicy, and savory combination!
These Jalapeno Popper Meatballs Are Bangin'!
Okay, honestly, who doesn't love a good jalapeno popper ? The combination of cheese, spice, and crispy texture is just phenomenal.
But what if you could get all that goodness in a meatball? That’s exactly what these jalapeno popper meatballs deliver.
This is a twist on a pub classic that's too good to miss.
This baked meatball recipe is easier than you might think! We're talking about combining simple ingredients like ground beef, ground pork, cheddar, and jalapeños.
Then bake them until golden. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Use roasted poblano for less heat or habanero for more.
These are a total crowd pleaser.
These cream cheese stuffed meatballs are more than just party appetizer recipes . They're a flavour bomb. Seriously, the creamy filling oozing out with every bite is heavenly.
They're perfect served with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping! These could also be a fun meatball variation on a pasta night.
I made these once when my mates were over for the football, and honestly they were gone in minutes.
Ready to get started? Next up, the ingredient list!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Jalapeno Popper Meatballs
Okay, so you're ready to make these amazing jalapeno popper meatballs ? Awesome! First, let's gather everything we need. I promise, it's not too complicated. These cheesy meatballs are so worth it!
Main Ingredients List Breakdown
Here's a list of what you will need for this spicy meatball recipe , including the exact measurements.
Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g). Get the 80/20 blend. It's got the perfect amount of fat for flavour.
Ground Pork: 1/2 lb (225g). This adds so much extra moisture and richness.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (40g). They make the baked meatball recipe extra crispy.
Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup (10g), finely chopped.
Onion: 1/2 cup (60g), finely diced. Yellow or white onion works great.
Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
Jalapeños: 2 , seeded and finely diced. Fresh ones, please!.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon .
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Adds a lovely kick.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Cream Cheese: 4 oz (115g), softened. It has to be softened for the best experience!.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (100g). Sharp cheddar is my favourite.
Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and finely diced.
Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
Green Onions: 1 tablespoon chopped.
Important Tip : When it comes to the beef and pork, go for good quality. It really does make a difference to the flavor. And for the jalapenos, freshness is key!.
Seasoning: The Heart of Flavor!
Want to turn these into the ultimate party appetizer recipes ? You need to know seasoning!.
- The Essentials: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper is the magic combo!. It's so easy, and the flavours are amazing!
- Spice It Up: The cayenne pepper is optional, but if you like a little heat, go for it! And if you are feeling even braver, try Jalapeno cheddar meatballs !
- Quick Sub: No fresh cilantro? A teaspoon of dried cilantro will work in a pinch.
Equipment: Keep It Simple
No need for fancy gadgets here. The right tools are required.
- Mixing Bowls: One large, one small.
- Baking Sheet: This is where the magic happens.
- Parchment Paper: (optional) for easy cleanup. I swear it saves time.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta get those amounts right.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping all those veggies.
Pro tip: You can use a cookie scoop for forming uniform cream cheese stuffed meatballs . Also, if you don't have parchment paper, just grease the baking sheet really well with olive oil.
The main goal is to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs: Your New Obsession
Alright, let's get cracking! These jalapeno popper meatballs are going to be more addictive than catching up on "The Great British Baking Show.
" They're a perfect party appetizer recipes , a game day meatballs snack, or even a cheeky main course served over pasta.
Think of them as a meatball makeover worthy of Queer Eye. Seriously, you need these in your life. I’m telling you, these cheesy meatballs are next level.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Before we even think about mixing, let's get our act together. First, finely dice your onion, cilantro and jalapenos . I cannot stress this enough, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños unless you want to breathe fire.
Soften that cream cheese nobody wants lumpy filling. Measure out your spices and breadcrumbs. Having everything prepped means you can focus on the flavor magic.
Remember, a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen! This ensures that your jalapeno popper appetizers are assembled flawlessly and ready to transform into scrumptious spicy bites!
step-by-step: From Raw to Ready
Follow these steps, and you can’t go wrong.
- Popper Power: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 diced jalapeño, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions. Set aside.
- Meatball Magic: Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 pound of ground pork, 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of cilantro, 1/2 cup of diced onion, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 diced jalapeños, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional), salt and pepper. Mix gently.
- Stuff It: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the ground beef and pork meatballs mixture, flatten it, and make a well. Spoon in the cream cheese filling, and seal it up. Roll into a ball.
- Chill Out: Pop those balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This step is important for the best baked meatball recipe .
- Bake Time: Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Grease a baking sheet and bake for 20- 25 minutes , until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
Pro Tips for Jalapeno Popper Perfection
Don’t overmix the meat! I know it's tempting to really get in there, but overmixing leads to tough meatballs. Also, make sure the filling is properly sealed or the cheese will ooze out everywhere.
Feel free to make these ahead of time. You can assemble the meatballs, chill them, and bake them just before your guests arrive.
Or bake them, and keep them hot in a slow cooker. You can change these into Jalapeno cheddar meatballs by simply using cheddar as the filling.
Recipe Notes for Jalapeno Popper Meatballs
Alright, so you’re ready to make some seriously awesome jalapeno popper meatballs ? Fantastic! Before you dive in, let’s chat about a few things that’ll make your life easier and your meatballs even tastier.
These are the perfect jalapeno popper appetizers for any occasion. Honestly, you'll thank me later.
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
These cheesy meatballs look amazing on a platter with a creamy dip. Think ranch or blue cheese dressing. Seriously, who doesn't love a good dipping sauce? A little sprinkle of fresh cilantro also makes them pop.
For drinks? A crisp beer or a light margarita are the perfect match. Oh, and don't forget some veggie sticks for dipping.
These game day meatballs are also awesome on sliders or with pasta!
Storage Secrets: Keep ‘Em Fresh!
Got leftovers? Unlikely, but hey, it happens! Store these cream cheese stuffed meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll be good for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, let them cool completely first. Then, pop them in a freezer bag.
They’ll last for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) or in the microwave.
Be sure to check that they reached an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) to avoid any yucky bellyache.
Spice It Up (Or Cool It Down!): Meatball Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Totally get it. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
It changes the flavor profile and creates great meatball variations . gluten-free? Swap the panko breadcrumbs for almond flour. BOOM. Dietary needs handled! For a milder kick, use roasted poblano peppers instead of jalapeños for a milder kick or habanero for something much more hotter!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's keep it real. These are not health food. But they’re delicious! Each serving (about 4 meatballs) has roughly 350-400 calories.
You’re also getting a good dose of protein (around 25-30g). Remember that each ingredient can affect the final count in the spicy meatball recipe .
Enjoy them in moderation.
Now, go forth and conquer those jalapeno popper meatballs ! Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun.
Baking the baked meatball recipe can be an absolute blast! These ground beef and pork meatballs will be the star of the show at your next gathering, so get ready for some rave reviews of these party appetizer recipes .
You got this. Let me know how your jalapeno cheddar meatballs turn out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these jalapeno popper meatballs ahead of time? I'm hosting a party, and I'm trying to get ahead of the game!
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs completely, up to the baking stage, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure they are well covered. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if they're going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Think of it like meal prepping but with extra cheesy goodness!
I'm not a huge fan of spicy food. Can I still enjoy these jalapeno popper meatballs?
Of course! The beauty of these meatballs is that you can easily control the heat. Make sure to thoroughly remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as that's where most of the heat resides. You could even use a milder pepper, like poblano or Anaheim.
It's all about finding the right balance that tickles your taste buds without setting off any fire alarms!
What's the best way to store leftover jalapeno popper meatballs? And how long will they last?
Leftover jalapeno popper meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (though they might lose a little crispness), bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or even air fry them for a quick and crispy revival.
They're like a culinary phoenix, ready to rise again!
Can I freeze these jalapeno popper meatballs? It'd be great to have some on hand for a quick snack!
Yes, freezing jalapeno popper meatballs works well! Bake them according to the recipe, then let them cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They'll last for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat them, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
What kind of dipping sauce goes well with these jalapeno popper meatballs?
There are loads of options! Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing are classic choices that complement the spice and cheesiness perfectly, similar to having them with classic jalapeno poppers. For something a little different, try a sweet chili sauce or a smoky BBQ sauce.
A cooling avocado crema would also be fantastic for balancing the heat. It's like pairing wine with cheese find what tickles your fancy!
I'm trying to cut down on carbs. Are there any substitutions I can make to the Jalapeno Popper Meatballs recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out the panko breadcrumbs for almond flour to make them gluten-free and lower in carbs. You could also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner protein source. Serve them with a side of cauliflower mash instead of pasta for a lower carb meal.
It's like giving them a low-carb makeover they'll still be delicious!
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs A Spicy Cheesy Kick Fo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 12.5g |