Classic Ground Turkey Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers Recipe
Introduction
These Classic Ground Turkey Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers are a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack that combines a creamy, spicy filling with the mild heat of jalapenos. Ready in under an hour, they’re perfect for entertaining or a tasty treat any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 16 jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 16 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended for smoother texture)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred for extra richness)
- 12 oz Mexican cheese, divided
- 1.5 tbsp chile powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lb ground turkey, browned and crumbled
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the jalapenos lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and white membranes with a small spoon or knife. Arrange the halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and in small pieces, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add 6 oz of the Mexican cheese and mix evenly. Stir in chile powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne, salt, oregano, black pepper, and smoked paprika until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Gently fold the cooked turkey into the cheese and spice mixture until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeno half generously with the turkey and cheese mixture, mounding slightly. Sprinkle the remaining 6 oz of Mexican cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Step 6: Bake the stuffed jalapenos in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos.
- Try substituting ground chicken or lean beef for the turkey to vary the flavor.
- Use a piping bag for neater filling and quicker prep.
- Add chopped cilantro or green onions to the filling for extra freshness.
- Serve with a cooling yogurt or sour cream dip to balance the heat.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the peppers’ texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these stuffed jalapenos in advance?
Yes, you can fill the jalapenos ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How spicy are these stuffed jalapenos?
They offer a moderate heat level thanks to the jalapenos and added chili spices. You can reduce the cayenne and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
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Classic Ground Turkey Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
These Classic Ground Turkey Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers offer a deliciously creamy and spicy appetizer, combining browned ground turkey with a rich blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, Mexican cheese, and bold spices. Baked to perfection, the peppers have a delightful balance of heat and savory flavors, perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
For the Peppers:
- 16 jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
For the Filling and Topping:
- 16 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia for a smoother texture)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended for extra richness)
- 12 oz Mexican cheese, divided (6 oz for mixing, 6 oz for topping)
- 1.5 tbsp chile powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lb ground turkey, browned and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice the jalapenos lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and white membranes using a small spoon or knife. Arrange the halved jalapenos cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the turkey is fully cooked and lightly browned; this should take about 8-10 minutes. Crumble the turkey into small, bite-sized pieces, then transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese and Spice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and mayonnaise, stirring until smooth and fully blended. Add 6 oz of the Mexican cheese and mix until evenly distributed. Add all the spices — chile powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, oregano, black pepper, and smoked paprika — and stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform in color. To avoid clumping, pre-mix spices before folding them in.
- Combine Turkey and Cheese Mixture: Fold the cooked ground turkey into the creamy spiced mixture gently, mixing until the filling is thick, creamy, and no streaks of cream cheese remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
- Stuff Jalapenos: Using a small spoon or piping bag, generously fill each jalapeno half with the turkey and cheese mixture, mounding it slightly in the center to maximize filling.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 6 oz of Mexican cheese evenly over all the stuffed jalapenos, creating a melted cheesy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown and the jalapenos retain slight firmness without becoming overly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes so the filling sets, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- To reduce heat, remove all seeds and membranes carefully, as these contain most of the jalapeno’s spiciness.
- Using a piping bag for filling can make stuffing easier and cleaner.
- For a smoother filling texture, use softened cream cheese and mayonnaise at room temperature.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- If you prefer spicier peppers, leave some seeds or add extra red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: ground turkey, stuffed jalapeno peppers, baked jalapenos, spicy appetizer, cream cheese filling, easy party food
