Crunchy Jalapeño Popper Bites

Ingredients

- 1 cup Trader Joe's Crispy Jalapeño Pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits until well mixed.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut. You should get approximately 16 balls.

2. Coat With Jalapeño Pieces:
- Place the Trader Joe's Crispy Jalapeño Pieces in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they have a breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Mix the crushed jalapeño pieces with the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.

3. Set Up Breading Station:
- In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and the jalapeño-panko mixture.

4. Bread the Jalapeño Popper Bites:
- Take each cream cheese ball and roll it in the flour, ensuring it is completely coated.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll it in the jalapeño-panko mixture, pressing gently so it adheres.

5. Heat the Oil:
- Pour the vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to ensure the temperature is just right.

6. Deep Fry the Bites:
- Carefully place a few coated balls into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Season and Serve:
- While still warm, sprinkle the bites with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately as a delightful snack or appetizer.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT20M
20 minutes

Total Time

- PT35M
35 minutes

Type of Dish

Snack

Keywords

- Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Crispy Jalapeño Snack
- Cheese Appetizer
- Deep Fried Cheese
- Party Snack Idea
- Jalapeño Appetizer
- Cheese Balls
- Trader Joe's Recipe
- Spicy Cheese Bites
- Party Bites

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 1480

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