Classic Shrimp & Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños
These Classic Shrimp & Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños are a delightful appetizer, featuring spicy jalapeños filled with a creamy, cheesy, and savory shrimp mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Equipment
- kitchen gloves
- small spoon
- paper towel
- small skillet
- medium bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12-15 medium-sized Fresh Jalapeños
- 1 pound Shrimp medium raw shrimp (41/50 count), peeled, deveined, and finely diced
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese Blend such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both
- 2 cloves Garlic freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Fresh cilantro or chives finely chopped
Instructions
Jalapeño Prep
- Wear gloves, then slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds and membranes to reduce heat.
Shrimp Preparation & Cooking
- Pat raw shrimp dry and dice into small pieces.
- Sauté diced shrimp in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until pink, then cool slightly.
Filling & Baking
- Combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth.
- Fold the cooked diced shrimp into the cheese mixture.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spoon the shrimp and cheese mixture into each jalapeño half.
- Arrange stuffed jalapeños on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chives and serve warm.
Notes
For milder jalapeños, choose brighter green ones. For extra kick, use Pepper Jack cheese in your blend. Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.