Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs are a spicy twist on a classic! Creamy yolk filling mixed with cream cheese and jalapeños, all inside a perfectly cooked egg white make them so tasty.
These little bites pack a punch and are always a hit at parties. I love making them ahead of time—just pop them in the fridge, and they’re ready to impress your friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are the foundation of this recipe. If you prefer a smaller bite, you can use medium eggs. Just remember to adjust your cooking time slightly!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that creamy texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love the bold flavor it brings. For a different taste, try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder version.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add that spicy kick. If you want less heat, use fewer jalapeños or swap them for mild green chilies or even roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Bacon: The crispy bacon gives texture and flavor. You can substitute cooked turkey bacon or even leave it out entirely if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Crispy chickpeas could also work for crunch!
How Do I Cook Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Cooking hard-boiled eggs can be tricky, but here’s a foolproof method for great results!
- Start with fresh eggs and place them in a pot, covering them with cold water by an inch.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, cover the pot and remove it from the heat.
- Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes, depending on how cooked you like the yolks.
- After the time is up, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking, cooling for about 10 minutes.
- Gently peel the eggs under running water to help remove the shell easily.
This method will result in perfectly cooked, tender eggs every time—just right for your deviled eggs!
Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Deviled Eggs:
- 12 large eggs
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or green onion, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and about 10-12 minutes for cooking the eggs, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. So, set aside about 1 hour total to whip up these delicious deviled eggs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Hard-Boiling the Eggs:
Start by placing the eggs in a large pot and covering them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes to cook fully.
2. Cooling the Eggs:
After the time is up, carefully drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them cool completely for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, gently peel the eggs under running water to make it easier!
3. Preparing the Filling:
Next, slice the cooled eggs in half lengthwise and gently remove the yolks into a medium bowl. Place the egg whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks with softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Mixing in the Goodies:
Add shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the yolk mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
5. Filling the Egg Whites:
Using a spoon or a piping bag for a fancier touch, fill each egg white half with the delicious yolk mixture. Make sure they’re generous and look inviting!
6. Garnishing Before Serving:
Now for the fun part—garnishing! Top each deviled egg with a slice of fresh jalapeño, a small piece of crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Feel free to add some chopped cilantro or green onion for that extra color and flavor!
7. Chilling and Serving:
Cover the platter and refrigerate the deviled eggs for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. When ready to serve, enjoy the spicy, creamy twist on classic deviled eggs!
Can I Use Store-Bought Mayonnaise Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought mayonnaise is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe. Just use your favorite brand and adjust the amount to taste if you like it creamier.
What If I Don’t Have Jalapeños?
No worries! You can substitute jalapeños with other peppers like diced bell peppers for a mild flavor or even use pickled jalapeños for a different twist. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference!
Can I Make These Deviled Eggs Vegan?
Yes! For a vegan version, replace the eggs with avocados, and use vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise. Add diced jalapeños and seasoning for flavor, and enjoy a delicious plant-based alternative!
How Can I Store Leftover Deviled Eggs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the garnishes are already on, the eggs might not look as fresh, but they’ll still taste great! Just cover them well to maintain quality.
