Appetizer · Snack · Mexican · Latin American ·

Spicy Mexican Jalapeño Poppers with Cotija Cheese

Name: Spicy Mexican Jalapeño Poppers with Cotija Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Jalapeño peppers, 12 — halved and seeded; Cream cheese, 1 cup — softened; Cotija cheese, 1/2 cup — crumbled; Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup — shredded; Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon; Cumin, 1/2 teaspoon; Salt, to taste; Panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup; Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon; Cooking spray or olive oil, as needed

These irresistible jalapeño poppers are a perfect blend of cream cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and tangy cotija, bringing a delightful heat that’ll enliven your taste buds.

4.2(214 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 25, 2025

Spicy Mexican Jalapeño Poppers with Cotija Cheese — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Jalapeños

For the Filling

For the Coating

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 122 kcal
Protein: 3.66 g
Carbs: 5.62 g
Fat: 9.9 g
Fiber: 0.59 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1467 kcal
Protein: 43.9 g
Carbs: 67.4 g
Fat: 118.8 g
Fiber: 7.1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Jalapeño peppers 12 — halved and seeded	48	2	10	0.5	4
Cream cheese 1 cup — softened	792	14	12	80	0
Cotija cheese 1/2 cup — crumbled	240	16	1	20	0
Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup — shredded	110	7	1	9	0
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon	10	0.5	2	0	0.3
Cumin 1/2 teaspoon	4	0.2	0.7	0.2	0.3
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Panko breadcrumbs 1 cup	200	4	40	2	2
Smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon	3	0.2	0.7	0.1	0.5
Cooking spray or olive oil as needed	60	0	0	7	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Jalapeños

1
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prep Jalapeños
Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
Tip: Ensure all seeds and membranes are removed for milder heat.

Making the Filling

1
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cotija, cheddar, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
2
Mix Filling
Mix until smooth and well combined.
3
Fill Jalapeños
Fill each jalapeño half with a generous scoop of the filling.
Tip: For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before use.

How to Make Spicy Mexican Jalapeño Poppers with Cotija Cheese

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Coating the Poppers
Roll the filled jalapeños in panko mixed with smoked paprika.
2
Arrange on Tray
Place the coated jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3
Bake
Lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with olive oil, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.