Arby’s Jalapeño Poppers are a spicy, creamy treat that can be enhanced by a variety of complementary pairings. For a refreshing contrast, a cold soft drink or iced tea works wonders, helping to cool down the heat from the poppers. Dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch provide a creamy, tangy balance to the spicy kick.
A light side salad with crisp greens can add a refreshing touch to your meal, offering a crisp contrast to the richness of the poppers. For a heartier combination, pairing the poppers with an
Arby’s roast beef sandwich makes for a satisfying, well-rounded feast. If you’re in the mood for bold flavors, consider adding some buffalo wings on the side to create a flavorful and exciting meal.
A crunchy exterior that gives way to a creamy, zesty interior. That’s what you experience with Arby’s Jalapeño Poppers. As a food lover and occasional fast-food enthusiast, I took my first bite of these poppers with curiosity. Would they live up to the hype?
Spoiler: They did. These pepper-loaded delights suddenly became my guilty pleasure. Not only do they pack a punch, but they also come with a unique flavor profile that simply can’t be overlooked.
What Are Arby’s Jalapeño Poppers?
Arby’s Jalapeño Poppers are a popular appetizer option. They feature jalapeño peppers that are stuffed with a rich, creamy cheese blend and then coated for that lovely crunch. The result is a dish that delivers a memorable texture and flavor combination, making them irresistible. If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend grabbing a box on your next fast-food run.
What Is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor journey begins with the vibrant jalapeño. It brings a mild but noticeable heat that awakens your taste buds. The cream cheese kissed by spices offers a smooth, rich taste which balances the spiciness.
When you add a breadcrumb coating into the mix, you’ll find that crispy layer elevating every bite. It’s an addictive combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love Arby’s Jalapeño Poppers for several reasons:
- Simplicity: They are easy to share, making them perfect for gatherings.
- Flavor: They provide a delightful contrast in taste and texture.
- Satisfaction: They offer an authentic crunch with every bite, putting a smile on your face.
- Versatility: You can enjoy them on their own or as an exciting sidekick to a sandwich or salad.
Ingredients
- For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh jalapeño
- 2 cups (240 g) frozen black raspberries
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- For the Poppers:
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 6-9 medium-sized jalapeños
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ¼ heaping teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- For the Breading:
- 1 ½ cups (106 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
- ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (118 ml) whole milk
- Reduce the flour by 1 tablespoon and add 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Jalapeños
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats, wash your jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes. The seeds can make them quite fiery, but if you’re up for the challenge, leave some in!
Step 2: Making the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. The result should be a deliciously creamy filling with a flavor kick.
Step 3: Stuffing the Jalapeños
Using a small spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Aim to overfill slightly for a delightful cheese explosion. Set the stuffed jalapeños aside.
Step 4: Preparing the Breading
In one bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in milk. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with flour and salt. You want a consistent mixture that will stick to the jalapeños.
Step 5: Breading the Poppers
Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. The result should look deliciously golden.
Step 6: Baking the Poppers
Arrange the breaded jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can turn them once halfway for an even bake.
Step 7: Preparing the Dipping Sauce
While the poppers are in the oven, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño until fragrant. In a blender, combine the raspberries, lemon zest, sugar, sea salt, and champagne vinegar. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose Fresh Jalapeños: Picking fresh and firm jalapeños will improve flavor and cooking time.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the baking sheet and the poppers with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating the oven ensures perfect cooking.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer milder poppers, consider removing more seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
How Can You Store These Jalapeño Poppers?
Storing your homemade poppers is simple. Allow them to cool completely and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
Alternative Choices
If you find yourself short on some ingredients, don’t worry, there are alternatives:
- Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt can work if you’re looking for a healthier twist.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes can provide a crunch just as good.
- Jalapeños: If you want a milder pepper, try using banana peppers, though the taste isn’t quite the same.
Arby’s Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh jalapeño
- 2 cups 240 g frozen black raspberries
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- ⅓ cup 66 g granulated cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- For the Poppers:
- 8 oz 226 g cream cheese, softened
- 6-9 medium-sized jalapeños
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ¼ heaping teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- For the Breading:
- 1 ½ cups 106 g panko breadcrumbs (plain)
- ½ cup 63 g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ cup 118 ml whole milk
Instructions
- Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats, wash your jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes. The seeds can make them quite fiery, but if you’re up for the challenge, leave some in!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. The result should be a deliciously creamy filling with a flavor kick.
- Using a small spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Aim to overfill slightly for a delightful cheese explosion. Set the stuffed jalapeños aside.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in milk. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with flour and salt. You want a consistent mixture that will stick to the jalapeños.
- Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. The result should look deliciously golden.
- Arrange the breaded jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can turn them once halfway for an even bake.
- While the poppers are in the oven, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño until fragrant. In a blender, combine the raspberries, lemon zest, sugar, sea salt, and champagne vinegar. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Jalapeños: Picking fresh and firm jalapeños will improve flavor and cooking time.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the baking sheet and the poppers with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating the oven ensures perfect cooking.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer milder poppers, consider removing more seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There you have it—Arby’s Jalapeño Poppers demystified! This dish brilliantly combines flavor and simplicity, making it perfect for any occasion, whether casual or festive.
As you dive into these crispy delights, remember that cooking is about experimenting and finding joy in the process.
So, go ahead, whip up some poppers, and share them with friends. Your taste buds will thank you.
