Spicy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Meatballs: A Fiery, Cheesy Delight

Short Description

These bold and flavorful meatballs are packed with spicy jalapeños and cheesy cream-cheddar center, crispy panko coating, and golden skillet finish—a perfect appetizer or main dish that thrills the taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Explosive flavor: Creamy cheese and jalapeños meld into tender ground beef for a flavor-packed bite.

• Textural contrast: Juicy meatball interior meets a crunchy panko crust.

• Quick to prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for a crowd-pleaser at parties or a spicy dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Cream cheese, softened

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Fresh or pickled jalapeños, chopped

• Breadcrumbs

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Smoked paprika

• Salt & black pepper

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

1. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños until well mixed. Set aside.

2. Form the meatballs: In a larger bowl, mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff the meatballs: Flatten a portion of the beef mixture in your palm, place a spoonful of the jalapeño-cheese filling in the center, and fold the beef around it to form a sealed ball. Repeat.

4. Coat with panko: Roll each stuffed meatball in panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

5. Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

6. Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for best melt and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 12–16 meatballs (serves 4)

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Variations

• Heat variation: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or use serrano peppers for more spice.

• Turkey or chicken: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option—add a little extra fat or cheese to maintain juiciness.

• Cheese swap: Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different kick.

• Herb twist: Mix chopped cilantro or chives into the filling for fresh herbal notes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350 °F oven until warmed through. For crispness, give them a light broil at the end.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes—bake in a 375 °F oven for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.

2. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure you seal the meatball completely around the cheese filling with no gaps. Chill briefly before cooking to firm up the center.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—assemble and store uncooked meatballs in the fridge for a few hours, then cook when ready. You can also freeze them after assembly and cook directly from frozen (adding a few extra minutes).

4. Are these gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko polenta or almond flour instead.

5. How spicy are they?

They have a mild-to-medium heat. Adjust jalapeño amount or opt for mild pickups depending on preference.

6. Can I use pickled jalapeños?

Yes—drain them well first to avoid excess moisture, and chop them finely.

7. What dips pair well?

Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or vibrant cilantro-lime yogurt dips for contrast.

8. Can these be used as sliders?

Absolutely—serve them in mini buns with a slice of cheese and crisp lettuce for spicy sliders.

9. Is it okay to freeze leftovers?

Yes—freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

10. How do I reheat without making them soggy?

Reheat in a skillet or oven rather than microwave to preserve the panko crust crispness.

Conclusion

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Meatballs are a bold, cheesy, and crave-worthy creation that delivers intense flavor in a fun, hand-held form. Quick to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re a must-try for fans of spicy comfort food.

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