Baked Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños

Jalapeño poppers are one of our all time favorite party-foods. They are kind of fancy looking, definitely delicious tasting, and they go perfectly together with an ice cold beer while watching sports or just hanging out with friends.

But this version feels even fancier. Goat cheese brings and additional layer of deliciousness to the party, and parmesan cheese tops it off to make a lovely golden crust when baked. For anyone who is a spice-lover – like us here at Honest Cooking – this is pretty much the perfect party app.

How to Make Baked Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños

1. Prepare the Jalapeños

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise to create “boat-shaped” halves. Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes with a small spoon or knife (wear gloves to avoid irritation).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the prepared jalapeño halves cut-side up, and bake for 10 minutes. This softens the peppers slightly.

2. Make the Cheese Filling

• While the jalapeños are baking, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, thyme, milk, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Stuff the Jalapeños

• Remove the jalapeños from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the stuffed peppers.

4. Bake and Broil

• Return the stuffed jalapeños to the oven and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until the Parmesan topping turns golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

5. Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the jalapeños cool slightly. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

1. Handling Jalapeños: Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. If you skip gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap afterward and avoid touching your face.
2. Customize the Filling: Add crumbled bacon, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or minced garlic to the cheese mixture for additional flavor.
3. Balance the Heat: For milder jalapeños, remove all seeds and membranes. For a spicier kick, leave a small amount intact.

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with ranch or chipotle dipping sauce for added flavor.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the jalapeños and filling ahead of time. Assemble them and bake just before serving.

Baked Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Author: Ariel Rebel
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

Spicy jalapeños get a creamy, gourmet upgrade with this baked appetizer. Perfect for parties or a fun weeknight snack!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 fresh jalapeños
• 3 tbsp goat cheese
• 3 tbsp light cream cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 tsp milk
• 1/2 tsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme sprigs

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and membranes, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the prepared jalapeño halves cut-side up and bake for 10 minutes to soften.
4. Make the Cheese Filling: Combine goat cheese, cream cheese, thyme, milk, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
5. Remove the jalapeños from the oven, let them cool slightly, and fill each half with the cheese mixture.
6. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
8. Broil for 3–4 minutes, or until the Parmesan topping is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, garnish with thyme (optional), and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, leave some jalapeño seeds and membranes inside.
• If goat cheese is unavailable, substitute with a mild, creamy cheese like ricotta.
• Store leftover jalapeños in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 jalapeño half
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 150
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 2
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 15

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I want to reduce the spiciness of the jalapeños?

To reduce the spiciness, make sure to thoroughly scoop out the seeds and membranes, as these parts contain most of the heat.

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?

You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor, but it will change the overall taste and texture of the filling.

How can I ensure the Parmesan cheese forms a nice crust on top?

To achieve a lovely golden crust, make sure to sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking and then switch to broil for the last few minutes.

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