Jalapeño Popper Bread Recipe
Introduction
Jalapeño Popper Bread is the perfect spicy, cheesy appetizer to bring to any party or enjoy as a flavorful snack. This easy-to-make bread combines creamy cheese, pickled jalapeños, and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup garlic butter, softened or melted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Chop half of the jalapeño slices and reserve the other half to place on top of the bread later.
- Step 3: Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place both pieces cut side up on the prepared sheet pan. Brush each piece generously with the softened garlic butter. Bake for 5 minutes to slightly toast.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 5: Remove the bread from the oven. If using bacon, stir half of the cooked bacon crumbles into the cream cheese mixture and/or sprinkle some bacon on top later.
- Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over both pieces of bread. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top. Arrange the reserved jalapeño slices over the cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
- Step 7: Return the bread to the oven and bake for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra garlic flavor, use homemade garlic butter or melt butter and stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Try adding diced red bell peppers or chopped green onions to the cream cheese mixture for more color and freshness.
- Use shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a sharper or spicier kick.
Storage
Store any leftover Jalapeño Popper Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and the cheese is soft again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, the bacon is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a vegetarian version or simply want to skip it. The bread is still delicious with just the creamy cheese and jalapeños.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Absolutely. Fresh jalapeños can be used if you prefer less tang and more raw heat. Toast or sauté them lightly before adding to soften their bite, and adjust quantity to taste.
Print
Jalapeño Popper Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A crowd-pleasing party appetizer, Jalapeño Popper Bread combines spicy pickled jalapeños, creamy cheese, and garlic butter on a crusty French loaf. This easy-to-make baked bread is loaded with melty mozzarella, cream cheese, and optional smoky bacon crumbles for a flavor-packed snack perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup garlic butter, softened or melted
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Peppers and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Chop Jalapeños: Chop half of the pickled jalapeño slices finely to mix into the spread and reserve the remaining slices for topping the bread later.
- Slice Bread: Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut side up on the prepared sheet pan. Brush the surface generously with softened garlic butter. Bake for 5 minutes to warm the bread and crisp the edges.
- Mix Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, sea salt, and black pepper using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Bacon Optionally: If desired, fold cooked bacon crumbles into the cream cheese mixture or reserve some to sprinkle on top later.
- Assemble the Bread: Remove the partially baked bread from the oven and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over both halves. Then sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Arrange the reserved jalapeño slices decoratively on the cheese layer.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 6-10 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Cut the bread into individual servings and enjoy warm as a spicy, cheesy appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For garlic butter, you can use a store-bought melted butter mixed with 1 teaspoon garlic powder or prepare homemade garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Cook bacon until crispy before adding to the recipe, either folding into the cheese mixture or sprinkling on top for added texture.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- Best enjoyed fresh from the oven to keep the bread crisp and cheese melty.
- Share your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #NoBiggieRecipes to connect with other fans of this recipe!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jalapeño Popper Bread, cheesy jalapeño bread, party appetizer, spicy bread, cream cheese jalapeño bread, bacon jalapeño bread
