Jalapeno Popper Cups Recipe

Name: Jalapeno Popper Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 mini phyllo tart shells; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 0.5 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped; 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce; bacon bits

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Mini Jalapeo Cheddar Phyllo Bites

Ingredients (Original recipe yields 12 servings):

12 mini phyllo tart shells
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 jalapeo peppers, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
Bacon bits

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeos, and hot pepper sauce. Stir until well blended.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the phyllo cups, distributing evenly among all the cups.
Top each filled phyllo cup with a generous sprinkle of bacon bits.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the phyllo cups are golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy these savory, spicy bites!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 81
Total Fat: 6g (8% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 3g (16% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 17mg (6% Daily Value)
Sodium: 153mg (7% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 3g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 3g (6% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 42mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 0mg (1% Daily Value)
Potassium: 23mg (0% Daily Value)

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data. If you follow a medically restrictive diet, consult with a healthcare provider before preparing this recipe.

Jalapeno Popper Cups are a fun, bite-sized appetizer that combines the zesty flavors of jalapenos with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar. These little cups are an elevated take on the classic jalapeno popper, making them perfect for any party or gathering. Served warm, they provide a burst of flavor in each bite, making them an instant crowd favorite.

Origin and History

The origins of the jalapeno popper can be traced back to the Southwestern United States, where jalapenos are a staple in many dishes. While the precise date and place of creation for the popper is unclear, its believed to have been inspired by the region's love for spicy foods and the abundant availability of fresh jalapenos. The idea of stuffing jalapenos with cheese and other fillings became popular in the 1970s, with variations appearing at barbecues and tailgates. The Jalapeno Popper Cups are a more refined, bite-sized version of this popular snack, often made with phyllo dough or tortilla chips instead of whole peppers.

Regional Variations

While the basic ingredients of a jalapeno popper remain the same, different regions have put their own twist on the dish. In Texas, for example, jalapenos might be stuffed with a mixture of cheese and sausage, while in Arizona, you might find additional southwestern ingredients like corn or cilantro. The Jalapeno Popper Cups, however, are typically served in small phyllo tart shells, giving them a unique texture and appearance compared to the more traditional stuffed jalapeno version. Some people even serve them with additional toppings like guacamole or sour cream for a delicious flavor contrast.

What Sets Jalapeno Popper Cups Apart

The main distinction between Jalapeno Popper Cups and their traditional counterpart is the presentation. Instead of halving the jalapenos and stuffing them directly, the filling is placed inside phyllo cups or tortilla scoops, adding a crispy and delicate crunch to the snack. This variation makes the dish easier to serve at large gatherings and ensures that the appetizer holds its shape better than stuffed peppers, which can be more difficult to manage at a party. Additionally, some recipes call for ingredients like smoked gouda, bacon bits, or even pineapple jam to add a layer of complexity to the flavor.

Where to Serve

Jalapeno Popper Cups are perfect for any occasion that calls for small, crowd-pleasing appetizers. Theyre commonly served at sports events like Super Bowl parties, barbecues, and tailgates, as well as at holiday gatherings and cocktail parties. Because theyre bite-sized and easy to grab, theyre a popular choice for both casual and formal events. They pair particularly well with beer, margaritas, or other refreshing cocktails, as the spiciness of the jalapenos complements the flavors of these drinks.

Interesting Facts

Jalapenos are native to Mexico, but theyve become one of the most popular chili peppers in the United States, especially in the southwestern regions.
Despite their spiciness, jalapenos are relatively mild compared to other peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers, making them a popular choice for a wide variety of dishes.
Jalapeno poppers were likely inspired by the Tex-Mex tradition of stuffing vegetables with cheese, a cooking method that dates back hundreds of years.
The creamy cheese filling in jalapeno poppers helps to balance the heat of the jalapenos, creating a savory, spicy combination that is adored by many.

FAQ about Jalapeno Popper Cups Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also pre-fill the phyllo cups and keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. Just be sure to bake them fresh to maintain their crispy texture.

Leftover Jalapeno Popper Cups should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re warmed through and the phyllo is crispy again.

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cups for up to 1 month. To do this, assemble the cups but don't bake them. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, bake straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and hot.

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, cream cheese with a blend of mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique twist. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well.

You can substitute bacon bits with a variety of options depending on your dietary preferences. For vegetarians, try using crumbled veggie bacon, tempeh bacon, or even chopped sautéed mushrooms. If you want a smoky flavor, smoked Gouda or smoked paprika can also work well.

Jalapeno Popper Cups are moderately spicy, thanks to the jalapeños and hot sauce. If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños or use milder peppers like Anaheim peppers. Alternatively, you can opt for pickled jalapeños, which tend to be less spicy.

Yes, you can use other shells if phyllo cups are not available. You could try using mini tortilla chips (scoop-style), muffin tin liners with puff pastry, or even small biscuit dough pieces. Each option will give the dish a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

To make Jalapeno Popper Cups for a larger group, simply double or triple the recipe. If you’re using mini phyllo cups, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, depending on the size of the cups you use. Also, you can make these in batches if you don’t have enough space on one baking sheet.

Jalapeno Popper Cups are best served warm, as the phyllo shells stay crisp when freshly baked. While they can be eaten cold, they lose some of their texture and flavor when not served right after baking.

Jalapeno Popper Cups are a great appetizer on their own, but you can serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor. Pair them with chips, carrot sticks, or celery for added crunch.

Comments

Janet

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I took the suggestion of using individual tortilla chips. I used Tostitos scoops. They were perfect .

LilTJones

09/22/2011 09:03:08 AM

The filling was very good, but they do not set well for a party, because they must be eaten hot. If you plan on eating these within 10 minutes of pulling them out of the oven, then you’ll enjoy them. I doubled the recipe, so I had left over filling. I baked the left over filling and served with chips the next day. This was much better! Also, I substituted some smoked Gouda cheese for the bacon bits since I am a vegetarian. This gave I a very nice Smokey flavor without the meat.

motherbear

01/06/2020 03:23:40 AM

WOW! These were amazing. I did put my own spin on them and took advice of other reviewers. I sauteed the chopped jalapenos, then added a couple of tblsp of pineapple jam. added the cream cheese, the cheddar and about a tbsp of apple habanero bbq sauce. Added half a pound of chopped bacon and put all that in a ziplock bag and let it sit over night. The next day, I let it warm up some, and piped it into Scoops. Topped with the other half pound of chopped bacon, and cooked at 300 degrees for about 20 minutes. So good, had lots of party goers come up to me and ask to share the recipe. Will definitely make these again.

Erin

09/10/2014 08:59:58 AM

Can we talk about all the friends I made at the Nascar tailgate last weekend because of this recipe?! I doubled it. I made 30 phyllo cups with homemade bacon bits, fat free cream cheese, and some seeds from the jalapeños. I also did the piping from a bag trick to make it quicker and easier. I will make this again and again and again.

Jen R

08/03/2020 11:34:08 PM

These were amazing! I didn't have phyllo dough or tostitos scoop chips on hand, so I used flaky dough in the can. I separated each biscuit into 3 different layers into a muffin pan, then filled with double the recipe and topped with bacon bits. The bacon bits I was skeptical about at first, but they are what made the final taste better...

RusticChive4317

01/06/2023 07:31:53 PM

Excellent recipe! I also love it with variations— in scoops instead of phillo, or as a quick microwave dip with chips or carrots. I have also tried using sriracha in place of other hot sauce and crumbled leftover bacon in place of bacon bits. I think I may try making a vegetarian version with diced field roast plant pepperonis in place of bacon. It’s hard to go wrong with this one!

Happyschmoopies

04/08/2014 11:07:54 AM

So simple to make, but, packs a flavor punch! I made exactly as the recipe stated, but, substituted ground Johnsonville Italian Sausage for the bacon. The sausage worked perfectly with the cream cheese and jalapenos and really kicked these tasty jalapeno cups up a notch. I used Cholula for the hot sauce. If you can't find phyllo cups you can use regular phyllo and form to your mini muffin pan or even pie crust would be great. I will definitely be making these again.

BudandJan Dragoo

02/03/2020 02:19:26 PM

I liked them. Nice Super Bowl appetizer. Substituted sliced turkey for the plyllo (keto) and used muffin tins sprayed with Pam. It worked out well.

MsMWParker

02/12/2024 08:44:18 PM

A super easy substitution my family loves is to use Mt. Olive brand chopped pickled jalapenos, instead of fresh. Love the flavor and tanginess of the pickled jalapenos is a nice twist, plus the texture is better in my opinion.

momofkatie

11/22/2024 11:14:44 PM

These are delicious! I modified the recipe because I had a bunch of lovely habanero peppers a friend grew in her garden. I diced 2 habaneros instead of the jalapenos. I also used crumbled freshly cooked bacon. I left out the extra hot sauce because the habaneros are a bit hotter than jalapenos. They turned out wonderfully! Husband brought them to work, and everyone raved about them.

Casablancaise

10/24/2017 02:17:46 AM

This rating is for the filling only (- the bacon bits). I didn't have the phyllo cups, so I used some tortillas chips, the scoop kind, and some mushrooms. Also used only about half the jalapeno to make it kid friendly. I baked the filled chips for 15 minutes and the mushrooms for 20 minutes. Both were good. The kids liked the chips ones better, of course !

JazzyScoop5432

09/09/2025 06:25:23 PM

Pretty good appetizer. Took to tailgate and they went fast. I scooped into little phyllo cups I crisped and they were easy to grab.

Rebecca Ramirez

11/17/2024 02:46:29 AM

I can’t stop thinking about it 🤤

Francine LoTempio Warner

11/08/2024 03:51:42 PM

I baked the phyllo cups before filling them, as another user mentioned they would stay crisper. I also used Mt. Olive diced jalapeño peppers without the hot pepper sauce . They were Delicious and had the perfect amount of heat.

RoseCrisp2212

04/01/2024 05:42:37 PM

Recipe was easy to follow and I made 30 of them, came home with an empty platter :)

Raymond Davis

02/11/2024 05:20:20 PM

Quick and delicious — exactly what I needed.

dasteffey09

12/27/2023 06:00:47 AM

I couldn’t find the shells. I had to make my own. I will try it again to make it better.

Cindylou054

12/12/2023 12:59:05 PM

Love this recipe! I doubled the ingredients and filled 45 mini phyllo cups with some filling left over.

MRSSCPIERCE

06/02/2023 06:17:00 PM

I made these for a BBQ gathering and they were gone in minutes! They are the most requested appetizer I've served - I've made them at least 10x in the past six months. Great recipe!

Colleen Kersting

04/04/2023 10:18:04 PM

Tasty and super easy to make!