Shrimp Hatch Chile Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Jalapenos: Fresh, halved, and seeded to hold the stuffing.

Cooked shrimp: Adds a seafood twist to the poppers.

Hatch chiles: Roasted and chopped for a smoky flavor.

Cream cheese: Softened to blend easily with other ingredients.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded for a melty, cheesy finish.

Garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild onion flavor.

Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

When preparing the jalapenos for stuffing, use a small spoon or a melon baller to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This will not only create more space for the shrimp mixture but also reduce the heat level, making the dish more enjoyable for those sensitive to spice. Additionally, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth and even filling.

• jalapenos - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers are milder than jalapenos but still provide a nice flavor and can be stuffed similarly.

• jalapenos - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers are also milder and have a slightly sweet taste, making them a good alternative for those who prefer less heat.

• shrimp - Substitute with crab meat: Crab meat offers a similar seafood flavor and texture, making it a great alternative to shrimp.

• shrimp - Substitute with chopped chicken: For those who prefer poultry, chopped chicken can provide a different but equally delicious protein option.

• hatch chiles - Substitute with anaheim peppers: Anaheim peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to hatch chiles, making them a suitable replacement.

• hatch chiles - Substitute with green bell peppers: Green bell peppers are milder and can add a crunchy texture to the dish.

• cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture that can complement the other ingredients well.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is also creamy and can be used to achieve a similar texture.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with monterey jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese provides a stretchy, melty texture that can enhance the overall dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.

• Allow the jalapeno poppers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled jalapeno poppers in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer the frozen jalapeno poppers to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• To reheat from frozen, place the jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Avoid microwaving as it can make the jalapeno poppers rubbery and unevenly heated.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the leftover jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are heated through.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy the revived flavors.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.
  4. Remove and serve immediately for a crispy, delicious bite.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the jalapeno poppers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking after the first minute.
  4. Ensure the cheese is melted and the jalapenos are heated through before serving.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the jalapeno poppers in the skillet, cut side up.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the jalapenos are heated through.
  5. Serve hot and savor the flavors.

• Oven: Used to bake the jalapeno poppers at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the shrimp, hatch chiles, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the stuffed jalapenos on for baking.

• Knife: Used to halve and seed the jalapenos, as well as to chop the cooked shrimp and roasted hatch chiles.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for halving and seeding the jalapenos, and chopping the shrimp and hatch chiles.

• Spoon: Used to stuff each jalapeno half with the shrimp mixture.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chopped cooked shrimp, roasted hatch chiles, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Prepare the filling: Mix the shrimp, hatch chiles, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Uniform shape: Slice and seed all jalapenos at once to ensure they cook evenly.

Use a piping bag: Transfer the shrimp mixture into a piping bag for quick and clean stuffing.

Pre-roast jalapenos: Slightly roast the jalapenos before stuffing to reduce baking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick snack later.