Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F / 204 degrees C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup cheddar cheese, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup green onions, and 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro. If cream cheese is too hard to mix, heat in a pan for a few seconds until softened.3 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup cheddar cheese, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup green onions, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
- Halve 6 jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds.6 jalapeños
- Fill jalapeño halves with cream cheese mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Top poppers with ¼ cup bacon bits, pressing them lightly into cheese filling.¼ cup bacon bits
- Bake for 15 minutes or until peppers are soft and bacon is crispy.
Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer often served at parties or as a game-day treat. However, traditional poppers can be high in carbs as they are often stuffed with breadcrumbs, making them unsuitable for those following keto.This Keto Jalapeño Poppers recipe eliminates the breading while maintaining all the flavors and crunch of the original version.
Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe
If you’re a fan of spicy food, then these Keto Jalapeño Poppers are a must-try! They’re packed with flavor and heat while being 100 percent keto-friendly.By using cream cheese stuffing instead of breadcrumbs, this recipe cuts carbs without losing flavor. If you’re short on time, these poppers can be prepared in under 20 minutes using an air fryer or made ahead, then reheated in a toaster oven for a quick lunch. This recipe is also a healthier option as it doesn’t require deep frying, unlike most traditional jalapeño poppers. What’s more, you can customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences, such as making bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers or adjusting the levels of spiciness.Health benefits of jalapeño
Jalapeños belong to the Capsicum genus, which is part of the nightshade family referred to as Solanaceae. Despite their small size, they pack a punch of health benefits.Research published in Openheart found that capsaicin, the compound responsible for peppers’ spiciness, can boost metabolism by activating sensory receptors and neurons in various tissues.This tissue activation raises cellular calcium levels, stimulating the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes, which can reduce inflammation and promote healthy cell function.Jalapeños are also a rich source of carotenoids, a group of pre-vitamin A compounds that promote healthy vision and skin.Additionally, they contain high amounts of vitamin C, essential for producing collagen, boosting immunity, and healing wounds.“Regularly consuming jalapeños may improve heart health by promoting circulation and reducing the risk of blood clots,” explains Dr. Berg.Their spicy flavor can also add excitement to dishes, encouraging people to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.What to serve with Keto Jalapeño Poppers
These low-carb baked jalapeño poppers are perfect for any occasion, whether served at a party or as a casual side dish.Here are some delicious meal options that pair well with homemade jalapeño poppers.Keto Garlic Bread
Keto Garlic Bread is a much-beloved appetizer and classic side dish perfect to accompany Italian-inspired meals.This low-carb version uses almond flour instead of wheat flour and is topped with aromatic garlic butter along with fresh herbs.It complements these Keto Jalapeño Poppers perfectly, adding a crunchy texture while balancing the jalapeño’s heat.Keto Zucchini Fries
If you’re craving something crispy and savory, serve these Keto Zucchini Fries with your jalapeño poppers.The zucchini slices are coated in almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder and then baked to perfection.These fries also offer a clever method to seamlessly incorporate more vegetables into your diet.Keto Carne Asada Bowl
This Keto Carne Asada Bowl is a delectable way to enjoy a Mexican meal without added carbs.The recipe features marinated steak, topped with fresh cilantro lime sauce, served over crisp mixed greens and sliced avocado.It flawlessly balances flavors and textures that complement the cheesy, spicy jalapeño poppers.Keto Avocado Salmon Salad
This Keto Avocado Salmon Salad is a refreshing and simple dish that provides high amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fats found in abundance in salmon.The creamy texture of avocado pairs perfectly with spicy jalapeños for a well-rounded meal. It’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal lunch option.Blue Cheese Dip
For a hearty meal, serve your jalapeño poppers with this Blue Cheese Dip.It’s tangy, creamy, and deliciously seasoned, making it the ideal accompaniment to these savory poppers.You can also use this dip for other low-carb recipes, such as veggie platters or wings.Keto Pork Rind Nachos
Are you missing traditional nachos? This Keto Pork Rind Nachos recipe is the perfect alternative.This dish replaces corn chips with pork rinds for a low-carb, crunchy base and can be garnished with your favorite toppings, such as cheese or sour cream.Ketogenic Mini-Burgers
For a fun twist on traditional burgers, try these Ketogenic Mini-Burgers.These protein-packed sliders are nestled between low-carb burger buns, offering a satisfying comfort food experience.Bite-sized and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for sharing and enjoying with friends or family.Storing and reheating tips
To store jalapeño poppers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.For longer storage, they can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag where they can be stored for up to three months.When reheating, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 175 degrees C and place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated and crispy. Alternatively, reheat them in an air fryer for five to seven minutes until warm.Other delicious keto recipes with jalapeño
There are many ways to incorporate jalapeños into your Healthy Keto® diet, from appetizers to main dishes.If you love the heat of jalapeño, here are more keto-approved recipes to try:- Keto Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- Keto Roasted Jalapeño Hummus
- Keto Fire Bacon Chicken Jalapeño Casserole
- Jalapeño and Cheese Biscuits
- Keto Tex-Mex Casserole
