Description
Jalapeño Popper Cheese Bread is a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer featuring a crunchy French bread base topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and jalapeños, finished with crispy bacon bits and optional green onions. Perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread (halved lengthwise)
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Additional Toppings
- 4–5 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- 2–3 jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cooked bacon, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Spread Mixture on Bread: Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture over both halves of the French bread, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the bread halves on the prepared baking sheet with the cheese side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Top: For a golden and slightly crispy top, broil the bread for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into 8 pieces and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired for an added fresh flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the level of spiciness according to personal preference.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon completely.
- This dish works well as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
