These golden, craveable bites are everything you love about jalapeño poppers, reimagined as crispy, cheesy pockets of flavor. Creamy, smoky, spicy, and crunchy in all the right places, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or any time you want a show-stopping snack that brings the heat.

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden on the outside, creamy and melty on the inside
• Packed with smoky bacon, three cheeses, and a spicy jalapeño kick
• Freezer-friendly and easy to prep ahead for parties or entertaining
• Perfect for dipping into remoulade, ranch, or your favorite sauce
• Irresistibly snackable and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at the table

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bacon Jalapeño Filling
Cream cheese
Cooked and chopped bacon
Diced jalapeños
Shredded mozzarella
Shredded mild cheddar
Shredded pepperjack
Minced red onion
Minced green onion
Chopped parsley
Garlic paste or minced garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Sugar

For the Coating
Panko breadcrumbs
Salt
Black pepper

For the Egg Wash
Eggs
Water

How to Make Them (WATCH HERE)

Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine all of the filling ingredients and mix until smooth and evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined sheet pan and press it into an even layer. Freeze until firm.

Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together the panko, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water to create the egg wash.

Cut and Bread
Once the filling is firm, cut it into equal-sized squares or rectangles. Working in batches, dip each piece into the egg wash, then dredge in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip again in the egg wash and finish with a second coating of breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere.

Fry to Perfection
Fry in hot oil for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every melty, spicy bite.

Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the breaded pieces with oil and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. If air frying from frozen, add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the cook time.

Tips for Success

• Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation
• Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece to help them stick
• Keep the filling frozen until just before frying for best results
• These can be fried or air fried straight from frozen—just extend the cook time slightly

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them into an oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked pockets for future frying. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time if frying or air frying from frozen.

Print

Bacon Jalapeño Poppers Crispy Pockets

Golden, crispy, and bursting with bold flavor, these Bacon Jalapeño Poppers Crispy Pockets are what happens when your favorite bar snack gets a crunchy, crave-worthy upgrade. Inside each bite-sized pocket is a creamy, smoky blend of bacon, three cheeses, jalapeños, and aromatic herbs, all encased in a golden panko crust that shatters with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a late night indulgence, or just want something unforgettable to dip into remoulade, this recipe delivers serious satisfaction. Prepare to impress; these aren’t your average poppers.

Course Appetizer, brunch, dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword crispy pockets, jalapeno, poppers

Prep Time 2 hours hours

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

Bacon Jalapeño Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup bacon cooked and chopped
• 1 cup jalapeños diced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup pepperjack cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup red onion minced
• 1/4 green onion minced
• 1 tbsp parsley chopped
• 1 tsp garlic minced or paste
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sugar

Seasoned Breadcrumbs

• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

Bacon Jalapeño Filling

• In a bowl, add all the ingredients listed under “Bacon Jalapeño Filling” and mix thoroughly.
• Transfer the mixture to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
• Press and spread it into an even layer.
• Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Seasoned Breadcrumbs

• Mix together all ingredients listed under “Seasoned Breadcrumbs” and set aside.

Egg Wash

• Whisk together all ingredients listed under “Egg Wash” and set aside.

Assemble

• Once the bacon jalapeño filling is firm, cut into equal pieces.
• Working in batches, dip each piece into the egg wash, then into the seasoned breadcrumbs, back into the egg wash, and finish with a final dredge in the breadcrumbs.
• Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece to help them adhere.
• Once coated, fry for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve immediately with a side of remoulade sauce and enjoy!
• Note: If preparing ahead, you can freeze the breaded pieces until ready to fry.
• If frying from frozen, cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown.