Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Feta Filling

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Feta Filling
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 fresh jalapenos; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Cooking spray

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Feta Filling for gatherings or cozy nights in. The combination of heat from the jalapenos and the creamy, tangy feta is irresistible! These poppers are not only delicious but also bring a bright burst of flavor that everyone enjoys. They are surprisingly easy to prepare and can be customized to suit different taste preferences. I can promise you that these appetizers will leave your guests coming back for more, making them a staple in my entertaining repertoire.

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:07:20.469Z

Creating these Jalapeno Poppers has been a labor of love in my kitchen, and I find that the secrets lie in the filling. I use a mix of creamy spinach and tangy feta to create a delightful balance with a kick. Every time I serve them, the first bite reveals the perfect blend of flavors—satisfying and comforting.

I remember the first time I made these for a party. They were the stars of the show! The key is in roasting the peppers just long enough to soften them but not too much that they lose their structure. This method keeps the filling intact and enhances the taste, making them a hit with guests!

        Why You'll Love These Poppers
        Spicy jalapeno flavor complemented by creamy spinach and feta
Perfectly crispy on the outside while creamy on the inside
Ideal for parties, game days, or a homemade snack

      

Why Choose Spinach and Feta?

The filling of these jalapeno poppers is what truly sets them apart. The combination of spinach and feta not only adds a burst of flavor but also incorporates healthy greens into an otherwise indulgent appetizer. The creamy texture from the cheeses balances the spicy jalapenos, creating a delectable contrast. Spinach is a great source of vitamins A and C, while feta provides a robust, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the popper.

Feta cheese plays a crucial role in this recipe—it crumbles beautifully and softens when baked, melding with cream cheese to create a luscious filling. If you find feta too salty or strong for your taste, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a milder flavor or even ricotta for a creamier texture. Adjusting the cheese can easily cater to different palates while still achieving that creamy consistency we're aiming for.

Mastering the Jalapeno Preparation

Preparing the jalapenos correctly is essential for achieving the perfect popper. When you slice jalapenos, wearing gloves is a smart approach to avoid any irritation from the capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat. Removing the seeds and the white membranes inside significantly reduces the spice level, making it more approachable. If you prefer a kick in your poppers, leave some seeds intact or reduce the amount of cream cheese to let the heat shine through.

When cutting the jalapenos, aim for a clean, straight slice to ensure they stand upright on the baking sheet. If the peppers don't sit flat, you can slice a small portion off the bottom to provide stability. This not only makes them visually appealing but also helps to prevent filling from spilling out during the baking process, ensuring that every bite is filled with flavor.

Baking and Serving Tips

Baking these poppers at the right temperature is key to achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the filling creamy. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as the breadcrumbs can shift from golden to burnt quickly. You're looking for a golden-brown hue and a bubbly filling as the indicators that they’re ready to be pulled from the oven.

To elevate your serving game, consider pairing these poppers with a refreshing dip. A cool sour cream or yogurt-based sauce with a hint of lime works wonders to balance the spiciness. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a zesty salsa or a simple avocado crema to add a creamy contrast. These additions not only enhance the overall experience but also provide some great flavor combinations that complement the jalapenos beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make the perfect Jalapeno Poppers!

For the Filling

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking spray

Once you have all your ingredients prepared, you're ready to begin!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers with Spinach Feta Filling.

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. This will help reduce the heat and make them easier to fill.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the chopped spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each jalapeno half with the spinach and feta mixture, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Coat and Bake

Spray the jalapenos lightly with cooking spray, then sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the poppers are golden and bubbly.

Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, consider adding a pinch of paprika to the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on top.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Preparing jalapeno poppers ahead of time is a breeze! You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance. Just prepare the jalapenos and fill them with the spinach and feta mixture, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.

When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the poppers from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them cook more evenly. Alternatively, you can also freeze the assembled poppers. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake frozen poppers directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to your baking time.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the filling! Adding cooked bacon bits or diced peppers can introduce new textures and flavors. For a smoky kick, consider mixing in some chipotle seasoning or smoked paprika. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, adding black beans or corn into the mix can turn these poppers into a heartier snack while keeping them vegetarian-friendly.

You can also customize the heat level by experimenting with different types of peppers. Substitute jalapenos with milder varieties like Anaheim peppers for a less spicy version, or try serranos if you want an extra punch. Each pepper brings its own unique flavor, so don’t hesitate to explore these alternatives!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your jalapeno poppers come out soggy, it could be due to excess moisture in the filling or the jalapenos themselves. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly dry the spinach after washing, and consider lightly salting the jalapeno halves and allowing them to sit for a few minutes before filling them to draw out extra moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before proceeding.

Another common issue is the filling leaking out during baking. Ensure that you fill each jalapeno evenly without overstuffing, as the cheese will melt and expand. If the filling does leak, it’s still manageable—simply keep a close watch on your baking sheet and use a spatula to collect any overflow, turning it into a cheesy dip for your snacks. With these tips, you can serve up perfect jalapeno poppers each time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos and filling in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them right before serving.

→ Are these poppers very spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on how many seeds you remove from the jalapenos. For milder poppers, make sure to scrape out more seeds.

→ Can I use different cheeses for the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta to change up the flavor profile.

→ What can I serve with these Jalapeno Poppers?

They pair wonderfully with a cool dip such as ranch or sour cream to balance the heat.