Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn

Name: Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 medium jalapenos; 1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn as they are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. These bite-sized appetizers are great for gatherings, and the creamy corn filling is a delightful surprise. With the crunch of the jalapeno and the cheesy, savory stuffing, they always seem to be the first dish to disappear at parties. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and allows room for creativity, which I enjoy. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making them a crowd-pleaser!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-13T23:25:09.946Z

Every time I make Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn, I’m reminded of the first time I tried them at a friend's barbecue. The unique combination of sweet corn and spicy jalapenos was an exciting flavor explosion. Since then, I’ve perfected my recipe to create a creamy, cheesy filling that contrasts beautifully with the jalapeno heat. We always make a double batch, as they're a hit with friends and family.

One tip I learned along the way is to soak the jalapenos in water for about 30 minutes before stuffing. This helps to mellow the spice a bit, allowing even those who are spice-averse to enjoy them. It creates a more balanced flavor and makes them perfect for anyone to enjoy!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy corn filling with a hint of spice
Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings
Customizable heat level to suit anyone's taste

      

Choosing the Right Jalapenos

When selecting jalapenos for your poppers, look for firm, smooth-skinned peppers with a vibrant green color. Medium-sized jalapenos are ideal for stuffing, as they have enough flesh to hold the filling without being overly spicy. If you're unsure about the spice level, taste a small piece of a pepper before using it; they can vary in heat. If you prefer a milder option, opt for a slightly larger pepper, as they tend to have a milder flavor.

The preparation of the jalapenos is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of heat and flavor. After slicing them in half, make sure to thoroughly remove all seeds and membranes, as these are where much of the heat is concentrated. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, consider leaving a few seeds in the filling. Just remember that adjusting the levels of seed left in can transform your dish from mildly spicy to fiery, depending on your preference.

Perfecting the Creamy Filling

The cream cheese acts as a rich, creamy base that binds the ingredients together, while the sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and a pop of sweetness. To ensure even mixing, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before combining it with the other ingredients. This not only helps it mix more smoothly but also ensures that the filling is creamy and doesn’t clump. I like to mash the sweet corn lightly with a fork for added texture and flavor fusion.

Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste. For an extra savory element, consider adding crumbled bacon or diced bell peppers. If you want to incorporate more herbs, fresh cilantro or dill can brighten the flavors beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for added spiciness or feta for a tangy twist. Just keep the overall amount of cheese around one and a half cups so that the filling maintains its creamy consistency.

Serving and Storing Your Jalapeno Poppers

Once baked, let the Jalapeno Poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle and eat. You can serve them with a side of ranch dressing or a vibrant salsa for dipping, which complements the spicy flavors well. These poppers can be an exciting addition to a charcuterie board, offering a contrast in both flavor and texture to meats and cheeses.

If you find yourself with leftover poppers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy again. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed jalapenos for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, and enjoy fresh poppers anytime.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Jalapeno Poppers!

Ingredients

12 medium jalapenos
1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Once you have all the ingredients ready, let's get started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Jalapeno Poppers!

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your poppers cook evenly.

Prepare the jalapenos

Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. If you prefer extra heat, leave some seeds.

Make the filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet corn, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stuff the jalapenos

Spoon the filling into each jalapeno half, making sure not to overfill.

Bake the poppers

Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender and the cheese is melted.

Serve

Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Poppers Stuffed with Corn!

Now you’re ready to impress your guests!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add proteins like cooked bacon for added flavor. Also, consider serving these with a cooling dip, such as sour cream or ranch dressing, to balance the heat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with jalapeno poppers is that they can become soggy during baking. To prevent this, ensure your stuffing isn't too wet. If you're using canned corn, drain it thoroughly before mixing it into the filling. You can also place the stuffed jalapenos on a wire rack over the baking tray to allow airflow, which can help achieve a crispier texture.

If you find the poppers are not as spicy as you would like, consider adjusting your method. Using fresh jalapenos with more intact membranes and seeds will result in more heat. You can also incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling for an extra kick without altering the texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe easily scales up for larger gatherings. If you plan to double or triple the recipe, prepare the filling in batches to ensure consistency in flavor and texture. Prepare the jalapenos in advance, and keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff and bake them. Just remember that larger batches may require slightly longer baking times to ensure they're all warmed through.

If you're expecting a smaller crowd, you can cut the recipe in half. Jalapeno Poppers also make excellent appetizers to serve alongside other finger foods, so feel free to enhance your menu with various snacks while still preparing a smaller batch of these crowd pleasers.

Flavor Variations

For an exciting twist, consider mixing different types of cheese into your filling. A blend of mozzarella and feta can provide a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the corn. Alternatively, swapping out half the cream cheese for some ricotta adds an interesting silky texture.

Another option is to infuse your cream cheese with herbs or spices. Adding a teaspoon of taco seasoning can give the filling a delightful kick. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes or jalapeno jelly for a unique flavor boost.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos and the filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Stuff and bake them right before serving.

→ What can I do to reduce the spiciness?

To reduce spiciness, be sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, and consider soaking them in water for 30 minutes before stuffing.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed jalapenos?

Absolutely! Freeze the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these poppers?

They pair nicely with ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a sweet chili sauce for a bit of sweetness.