Description
If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than Spicy Cajun Crab Poppers…
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 large jalapeño peppers
- 7 ounces lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Start your cooking journey by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, take the large jalapeños and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, gently remove the seeds and membranes from each half—this step is crucial as it helps to control the spicy kick without sacrificing flavor. Remember to wear gloves during this process; it will help you avoid irritation from the peppers.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. These ingredients will serve as the creamy base of your filling. Then, add in the finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, lemon zest, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well incorporated. The mixture should feel smooth and homogenous, with a delightful blend of flavors essential for the poppers.
- Once your filling is nice and mixed, it’s time to gently fold in the lump crabmeat. Be careful not to break up the crab too much; the lumps add a wonderful texture and show off the quality of the seafood in your poppers. Once incorporated, you’ll want to take a spoon and fill each jalapeño half with the crab mixture, ensuring to mound it slightly so each popper is packed with flavor.
- To add that crunchy texture everyone loves, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over each filled jalapeño—your poppers will have a deliciously crunchy topping after baking.
- Place your assembled poppers on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until they become beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once the timer goes off, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. This will help to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling!
Notes
This dish can be made ahead. Prepare the poppers up to the baking step, refrigerate, and simply bake them right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal per popper
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Protein: 10 g