Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious appetizer to life:
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Feel free to substitute the shrimp with crab meat if that’s more readily available or if you have a seafood allergy. For a vegetarian twist, consider using black beans instead.
Instructions
Let’s bring these poppers to life in your kitchen. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. A small spoon works wonders here.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped shrimp, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the shrimp mixture into each jalapeño half, packing it in gently but firmly.
- Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapeños are tender.
- If you like a little char on top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers, recipe, cooking, food
