Jalapeño Popper Parmesan

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 07/30/21
Jalapeno Popper Parm

 Kristina Vanni

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 1 8-by-8-inch pan
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
187 Calories
14g Fat
5g Carbs
11g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 187
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 8g 39%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 444mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 11g
Vitamin C 28mg 142%
Calcium 310mg 24%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 193mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you love the spicy zing of a jalapeño popper appetizer, but crave the cheesy goodness of your favorite chicken Parm dinner, this recipe is for you! With just four convenient ingredients, you can whip up this easy jalapeño popper parm in under 30 minutes.

Start with your favorite recipe for jalapeño poppers or simply grab a few boxes from your grocer's freezer. They can be cooked in the oven, in a deep fryer, or even in an air fryer. Jalapeño poppers are already wrapped in a crispy breaded coating just like the cutlets in your favorite chicken parm, so they are the perfect ingredient to layer in this dish.

Then simply layer the cooked jalapeño poppers in an 8-inch square pan with your favorite marinara sauce. Top with a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbly. That's it! For added pizzazz the jalapeño popper parm can be topped with slices of fresh jalapeño and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro.

1:57

Cheesy Saucy Jalapeño Popper Parm

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) boxes frozen jalapeño poppers

  • 1 (14-ounce) jar prepared marinara sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • Sliced jalapeños, for garnish

  • Fresh parsley, or fresh cilantro, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 450 F.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  2. Prepare the jalapeño poppers according to package directions. They can be cooked directly from the freezer in a traditional oven, deep fryer, or air fryer. No matter what method you use, the internal temperature of the jalapeño poppers should reach 165 F.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  3. Spoon 1/2 cup of the prepared marinara sauce in the bottom of an 8-inch square pan. Spread to coat the entire surface.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  4. Line up the cooked jalapeño poppers in the pan on top of the sauce

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  5. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the jalapeño poppers.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  6. In a small bowl, combine the mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  7. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the entire surface.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  8. Bake in the preheated 450 F oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

  9. Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Scoop and serve warm. Enjoy!

    Jalapeno Popper Parm
     Kristina Vanni

Recipe Variations

  • Traditional oven method: Arrange the jalapeños in a single layer on a baking sheet so the jalapeños are not touching. Bake at 450 F for 7 minutes. Turn the jalapeños and bake an additional 7 minutes. Let stand one minute before assembling the jalapeño popper parm.
  • Deep fryer method: Preheat the oil to 350 F. Fry the frozen jalapeños for 3 minutes. Shake and fry for an additional 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let stand for one minute before assembling the jalapeño popper parm.
  • Air fryer method: Place the frozen jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket and spread out evenly in a single layer. No oil spray is needed. Air Fry at 380 F for 5 minutes. Gently shake or turn. Continue to Air Fry at 380 F for another 2-4 minutes or until the cheese just starts to ooze out. Cool one minute before assembling the jalapeño popper parm.