Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers

These Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors! Plump shrimp are wrapped in jalapeño peppers, stuffed with a cheesy, creamy filling, and baked to golden perfection. Whether served as an appetizer or party snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the Shrimp:

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-off or tail-on)
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or chili powder, if preferred)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Jalapeños:

12 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved and seeds removed (for a milder flavor, you can remove some of the membranes as well)

For the Coating:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning (or chili powder), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Once the shrimp are cool enough to handle, chop them into small pieces (about 1/2-inch).

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix until everything is well combined. Add a splash of lemon juice if you’d like to add some brightness to the filling.

3. Prepare the Jalapeños:

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes (you can leave a few seeds in if you prefer more heat).
Arrange the jalapeño halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

4. Stuff the Jalapeños:

Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half.
Place a piece of chopped shrimp on top of the cream cheese filling in each jalapeño.
Optional: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed jalapeño for added texture and flavor.

5. Bake the Poppers:

Place the stuffed jalapeños in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
If you added breadcrumbs, they should be golden and crispy by the end of baking.

6. Serve:

Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired.

Tips:

For More Heat: Leave some of the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños, or add a bit of hot sauce to the cream cheese filling for extra kick.
Make Ahead: These poppers can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply bake them right before serving.
Shrimp Alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap shrimp for crab meat or ground chicken for a different flavor profile.

These Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory—sure to impress at your next gathering!