Stuffed Jalapenos with Feta

Name: Stuffed Jalapenos with Feta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Stuffed Jalapenos with Feta for gatherings. The spicy kick of jalapenos combined with the creamy, tangy feta filling creates a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. Every time I prepare these, I find that they disappear faster than I can serve them! Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be prepped in no time, making them an ideal choice for entertaining. Trust me, your friends and family will ask for the recipe once they taste these delicious bites!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:42:28.926Z

When I first tried making stuffed jalapenos, I was skeptical. However, after experimenting with a few ingredients, I discovered that mixing creamy feta with herbs made the perfect filling. The key to avoiding that overwhelming heat from the jalapenos is to remove the seeds, which allows just the right amount of spice to shine without being overpowering.

Another tip I’ve learned is to bake them until they're golden. This not only enhances the flavors but also gives a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. I promise, once you try these, they’ll be a staple at any gathering!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The irresistible combination of spicy and creamy flavors
Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing at parties
A satisfying crunch that complements the soft filling

      

Perfecting Your Jalapenos

When selecting jalapenos, look for firm peppers with bright, unblemished skin. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor. If you're concerned about the spiciness, choose jalapenos that are slightly plumper; they tend to be milder. Remember to wear gloves while handling them to avoid any irritation from the oils, especially after you’ve cut them open.

After removing the seeds and membranes, consider giving the jalapenos a quick rinse under cold water. This additional step can further reduce heat and make for a more balanced filling. Plus, a clean jalapeno allows the flavors of the filling to shine through without the overpowering kick that some might find off-putting.

Crafting the Filling

The blend of feta and cream cheese serves important roles in both flavor and texture. Feta adds a tangy sharpness, while the cream cheese creates a smooth, velvety base that makes the filling easy to spread. If you want to explore unique flavor profiles, I recommend mixing in some crumbled blue cheese or even smoked gouda for a delightful twist.

For a herbaceous note, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs in place of parsley, such as cilantro or chives. Each herb will impart a different flavor, so you can customize the filling to match your taste preferences or the season. Just make sure to keep the herb amount consistent to maintain the texture of the filling.

Serving and Enjoying

Once baked, allow the stuffed jalapenos to cool for about five minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This short wait gives the filling a chance to set slightly, making the jalapenos easier to handle. For added visual appeal, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of extra parsley or a drizzle of balsamic reduction right before serving.

These stuffed jalapenos are versatile too! They can be served warm as a standalone appetizer or chilled as part of a larger spread. If you want to make a more substantial meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish. Leftovers, if you have any, can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator, making them an easy snack or lunch option.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

12 large jalapenos
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious stuffed jalapenos:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Using a small spoon, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure it’s packed in.

Bake

Arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Serve

Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!

These stuffed jalapenos are best served warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding diced sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling mixture.

Make-Ahead Options

One of the great things about Stuffed Jalapenos with Feta is how easy they are to prepare in advance. You can mix the filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prep the jalapenos on the day of serving to ensure they remain fresh and crisp.

If you want to stuff the jalapenos in advance, you can do that too. Prepare them up to 24 hours before baking and store the stuffed peppers covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve them, simply pop them in the oven; they may need an additional five minutes of baking time since they'll be going in cold.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

One common mistake when making stuffed jalapenos is overfilling them. While you might be tempted to pack in every bit of that delicious filling, too much can cause them to overflow and burn during baking. Aim to fill each jalapeno half to just below the rim for perfect results.

Another issue can arise if the jalapenos are too tough or undercooked after baking. To avoid this, always ensure you choose fresh, firm peppers and fully preheat your oven. If you prefer a softer texture, consider blanching the jalapenos in boiling water for a couple of minutes before stuffing. This step softens them up considerably.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe scales beautifully if you're hosting a larger gathering! Doubling the ingredients is straightforward; just maintain the same proportions for the filling. However, you may need to bake stuffed jalapenos in batches, depending on your oven size, to ensure even cooking and avoid crowding them on the baking sheet.

For smaller gatherings, feel free to halve the recipe. However, keep in mind that you can also prep a full batch and freeze any leftover stuffed jalapenos after baking. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapenos and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ Are there any other cheese options I can use?

Absolutely! You can try goat cheese or even shredded cheddar for different flavors.

→ How can I make them less spicy?

Removing the seeds and membranes helps reduce the heat, but using milder peppers can also work well.

→ Can I grill these instead of baking?

Yes, grilling is a great option! Just follow the same filling instructions and grill them until nicely charred.