Jalapeno Cheese Bites

These mini Jalapeno Cheese Bites are the perfect bite sized appetizer for any holiday or party. Filled with cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, corn and topped with fresh jalapenos and cilantro make for a simple but addicting appetizer.

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These Jalapeño Cheese Bites with Tostitos Scoops use a crispy tortilla chip scoop filled with a luscious blend of cheeses, corn, and a hint of spice, creating an irresistible combination that's sure to please hungry guests on football Sunday.

If you are looking for a spicy jalapeño and cheese appetizer idea, these cheesy jalapeno Tostito cups with fresh cilantro are incredible! A mixture of smooth cream cheese and pepper jack cheese offers a velvety texture with a kick of heat, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness. An egg binds all the ingredients together in every delicious bite.

When these oven-baked jalapeño cheese bites come out all golden and bubbling, they steal the show. Top them off with some fresh jalapeños and cilantro for a colorful topping that goes perfectly with the rich filling.

This appetizer is the perfect baked alternative to jalapeno poppers. They are also what I serve during any game day and my family devours them in minutes. Try them and I am sure you will agree!

Jalapeno Cheese Bites Ingredients

Tostitos Scoops: These delicious tortilla chips look like miniature taco bowls. You can easily find them next to the regular tortilla chips at most major grocery stores. Their scoop shape is highly convenient as they stand upright on their own and become the perfect vessel to hold the cheesy filling.

Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for these mini jalapeno popper bites. Ensure it is at room temperature so it combines effortlessly with the other ingredients.

Shredded Cheese: I love the spicy kick of pepper jack; however, sharp cheddar cheese is a great substitute. Make sure to buy the block of cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has additives to help it not clump together and will change the texture of the cheese filling.

Frozen Corn: Frozen corn kernels add a delicious sweet element to the cheese filling. I use frozen corn for connivance; however, leftover grilled or roasted corn is also delicious.

Fresh Jalapeños: I love using fresh sliced jalapeños; however, diced jalapenos in a can are also a great substitute.

Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro adds a punch of fresh flavor and color.

Egg: One egg is all it takes to bind the cheese mixture in these jalapeno cheese bites.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients can be challenging to combine thoroughly, affecting the consistency of your mixture.
• Adding Corn: Add the frozen corn only after you've combined the cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and egg. This makes it easier to incorporate the corn evenly throughout the mixture.
• Cheese Selection: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese. It contains additives that can affect the melting properties, texture, and flavor. For best results, shred the cheese yourself.
• Filling the Scoops: Be cautious not to overfill the Tostitos chip scoops. Overfilled scoops may overflow and burn on the pan as the cheese melts in the oven. Around one to two teaspoons of filling per scoop is ideal.

Swaps and Substitutions for Jalapeno Cheese Bites

The wonderful thing about these Jalapeno Cheese Bites is that you can create so many variations. Try them out, and let me know how you like them!

1. Heat Level: For more heat, use a Serrano pepper instead of a jalapeño. Serranos are hotter, so they're great if you like extra spice. Milder peppers like Anaheim or Poblano can offer flavor with less spice. To reduce heat in jalapeños, remove the core and seeds before serving, as this is where most of the heat resides.
2. Cheese Variations: Not a fan of pepper jack? Try cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, or a mix of both. Any cheese that melts well will work in this jalapeno popper bites recipe.
3. Adding Chicken: Boost the protein by adding grilled, chopped chicken to the filling before baking. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient alternative.
4. Herb Alternatives: If cilantro isn't your favorite, substitute it with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, all of which make great alternatives.
5. Jalapeño Cheese Dip: Transform the recipe into a dip by combining cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, egg, jalapeño, and corn. Bake it in an ovenproof dish, garnish with cilantro, and serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips.
6. Add Bacon: Enhance the flavor by adding crispy, chopped bacon to the filling to make some bacon jalapeno poppers. It provides a savory, smoky touch that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy mixture. For an even easier option, add bacon bits!
7. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, consider using finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms as a substitute for chicken or bacon.
8. Add Spices: For more flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the cheese and egg mixture before filling the scoops.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheese Bites in Advance

To prep these Jalapeno Cheese Bites, combine the cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, egg, and frozen corn and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. When ready to bake, you do not need to let the filling come to room temperature. Just fill the chip scoops and bake!

I made the filling for these jalapeno popper bites two days in advance, and they turned out great.

I recommend waiting to slice the jalapenos and chop the cilantro until ready to serve. Sliced jalapenos will start to discolor if sliced too far in advance, and fresh cilantro may wilt.

Can Jalapeño Cheese Bites Be Served At Room Temperature?

Yes! These jalapeño popper bites are still delicious even once they have cooled down and come to room temperature. Like other food items with dairy products, you do not want them to sit at room temperature for longer than three hours. Any combination of tortilla chips and cheese doesn't usually last that long in our house, though.