Jalapeno Poppers with Herb Yogurt Filling

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Herb Yogurt Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup fresh herbs (dill, chives, or parsley), chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Highlighted under: Rapid Favorites

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Herb Yogurt Filling during gatherings and get-togethers. The combination of spicy jalapenos with a creamy herb-filled center creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavor. I enjoy experimenting with the filling, adding my favorite herbs like dill and chives for a personal touch that elevates this appetizer. It always impresses my guests, and with just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes time, these poppers become the star of the show!

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:54:36.457Z

One of my favorite memories is making Jalapeno Poppers for a friends' game night. Everyone was eager to snack while enjoying the game, and I loved that these poppers brought a delicious kick to the table, perfectly balanced with the cool herb yogurt filling. I even experimented with the spice level, making them mild or fierce depending on the crowd.

Through trial and error, I've found that roasting the jalapenos before filling them not only enhances their flavor but also softens their heat. This gives the peppers a pleasantly smoky taste, making each bite utterly addictive. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A perfect blend of spicy and creamy flavors
Easy to make with pantry staples
Great for parties or as a tasty snack
Customizable filling to suit your taste

      

Choosing the Right Jalapenos

Selecting the right jalapenos is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and heat in your poppers. Look for firm, glossy jalapenos that are a vibrant green color. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating freshness. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using larger jalapenos, which tend to be less spicy due to their lower ratio of seeds and membranes. If spice is your goal, opt for smaller, thinner-skinned varieties.

To prepare your jalapenos, cut them in half lengthwise and use a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the seeds and membranes. This step not only reduces the heat but also creates enough space for your delicious filling. If you'd like to retain some heat, you can leave a few seeds intact— I sometimes do this if I'm entertaining heat-lovers!

Herb Yogurt Filling Techniques

The filling is where you can really get creative! For a rich and creamy texture, ensure that your cream cheese is well-softened before mixing it with the yogurt. This helps prevent lumps, enabling your filling to become smooth and spreadable. If you prefer a tangier filling, you can swap out some of the plain yogurt for a flavored option, like garlic or herb-infused yogurt. Always taste your filling before stuffing the jalapenos to adjust the seasoning as needed.

If you’re short on time, consider making the filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld overnight and making your prep on the cooking day a breeze. Additionally, the herb combinations are endless; I sometimes use basil and thyme for a Mediterranean twist!

Baking and Serving Suggestions

When baking your jalapeno poppers, keep an eye on them as they approach the 10-minute mark. Look for a bubbly filling and edges that are a light golden brown—this is a sure sign they’re ready to come out of the oven. For an added layer of flavor, broil them for the final 1-2 minutes for a perfectly charred top, but be watchful to prevent burning.

These poppers make a great shareable appetizer, but they can also be plated as a main dish with a simple side salad. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring that they don't lose their crispness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Jalapeno Poppers:

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapenos
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup fresh herbs (dill, chives, or parsley), chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Mix the filling ingredients well and prepare the jalapenos!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make 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 less heat. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, cream cheese, chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Fill the Jalapenos

Spoon the herb yogurt mixture into each jalapeno half, filling them generously. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the poppers are golden and bubbling. Enjoy warm!

Serve your Jalapeno Poppers with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding shredded cheese to the filling for a gooey surprise. Alternatively, adjusting the amount of herbs lets you cater to personal preferences or seasonal variations.

Ingredient Substitutions

While the herbs in the filling are pivotal for flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with different fresh herbs based on what you have available. For instance, cilantro adds a lively touch, while oregano can bring in a nice, earthy flavor profile. If you're cooking for someone with dairy restrictions, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based yogurt to create a similar creamy texture without the lactose.

For an added twist, consider stuffing the jalapenos with cooked chorizo or ground turkey along with the herb yogurt filling. This not only increases the protein content but also introduces a savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the jalapenos.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe easily scales up or down depending on your gathering size. If you're expecting a crowd, simply double or triple the quantities, ensuring you have enough jalapenos and filling. If you find the larger amounts cumbersome, try preparing smaller batches in advance and bake them fresh throughout your event for optimal crispness.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can halve the recipe. Once you’ve filled your jalapenos, any extra filling can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. Use it as a dip for crackers or fresh vegetables, making it a versatile base for other snacks.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to make your jalapeno poppers a bit more substantial, consider incorporating shredded cheese into your filling. Options like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can heighten the flavor profile while adding an extra layer of creaminess. For a more gourmet touch, sprinkle some crumbled bacon over the top before baking.

For a gluten-free option, simply omit the breadcrumbs or replace them with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free cracker crumbs. This tweak allows everyone to enjoy the poppers without compromising on the beloved crunchy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

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

→ What if I want a milder flavor?

If you prefer milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapenos, or use sweet peppers instead.

→ Can I freeze the poppers?

Absolutely! Freeze them after filling, and bake directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What dips pair well with Jalapeno Poppers?

They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a zesty avocado dip!