Can You Freeze Jalapeno Poppers?

Jalapeno poppers are a super popular snack food for good reason: they combine the spiciness of jalapenos with gooey cheese and a crispy outside to create the perfect, satisfying treat. 

There are lots of different types of jalapeno poppers from bacon wrapped to breaded, but the one thing they all have in common is how delicious they are. 

If you are making your own batch of jalapeno poppers or have leftovers from a restaurant you might be wondering whether you can freeze them or what is the best way to store them.

Luckily, jalapeno poppers are resilient and can be stored for a long time.

So can you freeze jalapeno poppers? Yes, you can freeze jalapeno poppers! Just make sure you freeze them individually first on a baking sheet and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 9 months when stored properly in the freezer.

Read on for the best ways to store your jalapeno poppers to keep them fresh and delicious. 

What Are Jalapeno Poppers? 

Jalapeno poppers are made from peppers that have been cut in half and then hollowed out. The middle of the jalapeno is then stuffed with a mix of cream cheese, spices, other cheeses, or meats.

You might choose to wrap your popper in bacon or coat it in breading. 

You can bake or deep fry your jalapeno popper depending on preference and what you have available. These snacks are a great opportunity to get creative with your fillings and coatings to make your signature popper. 

How To Freeze Jalapeno Poppers 

Freezing jalapeno poppers is a great way to store them for peak freshness and flavor if you aren’t planning on enjoying them within a few days of cooking. Follow these instructions to properly freeze and store your poppers. 

1. Line a plate or a baking sheet with some parchment paper. 
2. Lay your jalapeno poppers out in a single layer with at least 1/2 to 1 inch between each popper. You want the air to be able to flow between them, so they freeze evenly. 
3. Place the tray of popper into the freezer and let them sit for 12 -24 hours or until they are completely frozen through. 
4. Once the jalapeno poppers are fully frozen, you will want to transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. If you leave them on the baking sheet, they will likely develop freezer burn.
5. Once packed up, take a piece of masking tape and write the date and contents on it. Stick the tape to the bag or container and return it to the freezer. 
   • This might seem like an unnecessary step since you may be certain you will remember what you frozen and when. 
   • However, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve thought that and then found something in my freezer months later with no idea what it was or when I froze it. Best to err on the side of caution here.

If you follow these steps, you will be able to preserve the integrity of your poppers.

Can You Freeze Jalapeno Poppers Before Cooking? 

If you are making a large batch of jalapeno poppers from scratch you might be wondering whether or not you can freeze the extras before you cook them.

The answer to that question is a resounding yes! You can absolutely freeze your jalapeno poppers before you cook them. 

Follow the same steps listed above to freeze your poppers before you cook them. They may require a few extra minutes of baking once you take them out of the freezer. 

How Long Do Jalapeno Poppers Last In The Freezer? 

Generally speaking, you will want to use your jalapeno poppers within 6-9 months after the initial freezing date. Once they pass this age they may start to develop freezer burn or a less appetizing flavor and texture. 

Can You Cook Jalapeno Poppers From Frozen?

You can absolutely cook jalapeno poppers straight from the freezer. Follow these directions for the best results. 

1. Preheat your oven to 385°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Pour about 1-2 teaspoons of cooking oil onto the parchment paper and spread evenly. 
3. Remove your jalapeno poppers from the freezer and arrange them in a single layer on your baking sheet. 
4. Place the poppers in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. 
5. At the 15 minute mark, you can check them. You may want to rotate your baking sheet depending on your oven or flip the poppers to crisp the other side. 
6. Return to the oven another 10-15 minutes or until the outside is golden and crispy. 
7. Remove from the oven and let cool about 5 minutes before digging in. The cheese in the middle will be piping hot, so tempting as it is to eat them right away, your mouth will thank you if you wait. 

How Long Do Jalapeno Poppers Last In The Fridge?

If you are planning to eat your jalapeno poppers within a few days, then you might choose to store them in the fridge instead of the freezer. They will last about 3-5 days.

How To Store Jalapeno Poppers In The Fridge

To store your jalapeno poppers in the fridge you can follow these instructions. 

1. Find an airtight container that will fit in your fridge. 
2. Place on layer of jalapeno poppers on the bottom of the container. 
3. Once that layer is filled, take a piece of plastic wrap and lay it over top of the jalapeno poppers. 
4. Place another layer of jalapeno poppers over the plastic wrap. 
5. Continue this layering until the container is full. You may need more than one container depending on how many poppers you have.
6. Once the container is full, tuck on more pieces of plastic wrap tightly over the top of the poppers, then seal the container. 
7. Take a piece of masking tape and write the date and contents on it with a permanent marker. Rip it off and stick it to the container. Doing this will help you know whether the poppers are still good to eat.
8. Place in the fridge and enjoy within 3 -5 days.

Are Jalapeno Poppers Spicy?

When it comes to measuring the spiciness of peppers, most people use a rate of measurement called the Scoville scale.

This measurement tool helps to classify peppers from mildest to spiciest and ranges from 0 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) to the millions, with 2,200,000 being one of the highest scores. 

Bell peppers are sweet and not at all spicy so they measure about 0 on the Scoville scale, while the Carolina Reaper clocks in between 1,400,000-2,200,000 SHU.

Jalapenos are definitely on the lower end of the Scoville scale with an average rating of 2,500–8,000 depending on the pepper. 

Since jalapeno poppers tend to remove the seeds and the inside flesh, they can be a little milder than if you were to eat the entire pepper, seeds and all. 

That’s not to say they won’t have a nice kick to them, but combined with the cheese and coating they shouldn’t be so spicy they blow out your taste buds.

If you are really sensitive to heat, you can further dilute the spiciness with a creamy dip like ranch or a yogurt-based dipping sauce. 

Can You Use Other Peppers To Make Poppers? 

If you want to make your own jalapeno poppers you might be wondering whether you can use different types of peppers. You absolutely can and each pepper will give you a different flavor and spice level. 

Some peppers will also be larger or smaller, which gives you another variation on the traditional jalapeno popper. Some of my favorite alternatives to use include: 

• Poblano peppers are a little larger than jalapenos but have a milder spice level. These differences can make them a perfect option for people who may want their popper to be less snack-sized and more of an appetizer. You can also try Anaheim peppers for a similar result.
• Pepperoncini peppers are another mild option, measuring about 100-500 SHU. Unlike the poblano or Anaheim peppers, they are slightly smaller than jalapenos. They have a lovely bright flavor and can be stuffed with your favorite fillings for a tasty alternative. 
• Serrano peppers look similar to jalapenos, but they are a little spicier clocking in around 10,000-23,000 SHU. These peppers are a perfect option for people who love extra spice in their poppers. 
• Hungarian Peppers are another choice I love, which are slightly spicier than jalapenos, about 5,000-10,000 SHU. They are a gorgeous yellow color and a sweet, spicy crunch. The skin is quite thick, so it holds up well to being stuffed as a popper. 

No matter your preference, there’s a delicious pepper you can use to make a completely unique popper packed with flavor. Get creative with your fillings and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Do you have a favorite tried and tested jalapeno or pepper popper recipe? Let me know below!

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