Stuffed Jalapenos with Garlic Aioli

Name: Stuffed Jalapenos with Garlic Aioli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 large jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves roasted garlic, mashed; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Stuffed Jalapenos with Garlic Aioli for gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of spicy jalapenos and a creamy garlic dip creates an unforgettable flavor experience. My favorite part is how simple these are to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your friends and family. The roasted garlic adds a depth to the aioli that balances the heat of the peppers, making them irresistible. Trust me, these will quickly become your go-to appetizer!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:56:28.509Z

When I first decided to make Stuffed Jalapenos, I wanted something that was both spicy and creamy. I played around with several fillings before settling on a delightful mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and spices. It’s essential to balance the flavors while ensuring the cheese doesn’t overpower the jalapenos. The crispy edges from the oven add a texture that makes every bite enjoyable.

The aioli was another adventure! I roasted the garlic instead of using it raw to create a sweet, mellow flavor that paired perfectly with the jalapenos. After trying several methods, I've found that adding a little lemon juice brightens the aioli wonderfully. It's a game-changer!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The perfect balance of heat and creaminess
Easy to prepare and sure to impress
Great for parties or as a snack

      

Selecting the Right Jalapenos

Choosing the right jalapenos is crucial for achieving the desired flavor and heat level. Look for firm, shiny peppers with no blemishes. Larger jalapenos tend to be milder, while smaller ones pack more heat, so select according to your preference. If you want to reduce the spiciness, be thorough when removing the seeds and membranes, as these parts contain most of the heat.

If jalapenos are too spicy for your taste, consider substituting with mini sweet peppers or Anaheim peppers. These options will give you a similar form factor while providing a much milder flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy the cheesy filling but may be sensitive to spicy foods.

Enhancing the Flavor of Your Aioli

The garlic aioli serves as the perfect cooling contrast to the heat of the jalapenos, and using roasted garlic introduces a sweet, caramelized flavor that elevates the dish. If you’ve never roasted garlic before, wrap whole cloves in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft. This simple step adds incredible depth to your aioli.

To customize your aioli, feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick. Fresh herbs such as dill or cilantro could also be mixed in for a fresh twist. Just be careful not to overwhelm the garlic flavor, which should still shine through as the star of your dip.

Serving Suggestions and Leftovers

These stuffed jalapenos are great served hot from the oven, but they are also fantastic at room temperature, making them an ideal appetizer for parties. Consider serving them with a side of tortilla chips or veggie sticks for added crunch. Pairing with a light lager or a refreshing margarita also complements the spiciness beautifully.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they remain crispy rather than soggy. Alternatively, you can freeze the stuffed jalapenos before baking; just bake from frozen for an extra few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Stuffed Jalapenos

8 large jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Aioli

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients to create a delicious experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stuffed jalapenos:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds for a milder flavor.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Bake

Arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the jalapenos are tender.

Prepare the Aioli

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, roasted garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Serve

Let the jalapenos cool for a couple of minutes before serving with the garlic aioli for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed jalapenos!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, keep some seeds in the jalapenos or add chopped peppers to the filling. These jalapenos can also be grilled for a smoky flavor.

Key Technique Tips

For a perfectly stuffed jalapeno, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it much easier to blend with the cheddar cheese and spices. If you’re using a piping bag, snip a small hole to control the flow and fill the jalapenos efficiently, which helps avoid messy overflow while baking.

Pay careful attention to the baking time—around 15 minutes should suffice for the jalapenos to become tender and for the cheese filling to bubble without burning. Keep an eye out for golden edges on the cheese, as this indicates they are ready to be pulled from the oven.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your jalapenos seem too oily after baking, it could be that the cheese filling was too loose or you added too much oil while roasting the garlic. To prevent this, ensure your cream cheese is not overly softened and consider draining any excess liquid from the roasted garlic before mixing.

If the heat level is unintentionally too intense, serve them with extra aioli to help balance the spice. You can also try pairing with creamy coleslaw or a mild yogurt dip on the side, allowing your guests to adjust the flavors to their liking.

Scaling the Recipe

The stuffed jalapenos recipe is quite versatile and can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings. Doubling or tripling the ingredients works seamlessly; just make sure you have enough baking sheets to accommodate all the jalapenos without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

For a smaller batch, you can simply halve the recipe, which is particularly useful if you want to enjoy these delicious appetizers without leftovers. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, as fewer jalapenos may bake a little quicker than a full tray, so keep an eye on them!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed jalapenos a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

→ Are there vegetarian options?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and still enjoy delicious stuffed jalapenos.

→ How can I make the aioli vegan?

Use a plant-based mayonnaise and roasted garlic to create a vegan garlic aioli.