Can jalapeños be frozen?

Jalapeño poppers are a very popular snack for good reason: they combine the heat of jalapeños with a gooey cheese and crunchy exterior to create the perfect satisfying bite.

There are many 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 make your own batch of jalapeno poppers or have leftovers from a restaurant, you may be wondering if you can freeze them or how best to store them.

Luckily, jalapeno poppers are hardy and can keep for a long time.

So, can jalapeno poppers be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the jalapeno poppers. Just make sure you freeze them individually on a cookie sheet first, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 9 months if 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?

Jalapeño poppers are made with peppers cut in half and hollowed out. The center of the jalapeño is filled with a mixture of cream cheese , spices, other cheeses, or meat.

You can choose to wrap the jalapeño in bacon or batter it.

You can bake or fry your jalapeño popper, depending on your preferences and what you have available. These appetizers are a great opportunity to get creative with the fillings and toppings to make your signature popper.

How to freeze jalapeno poppers

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

1. Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer, with at least 2-3 cm of distance between each one. You want air to be able to flow between them, so they freeze evenly.
3. Place the tray of poppers in the freezer and let them sit for 12 to 24 hours or until completely frozen.
4. Once the jalapeño poppers are completely frozen, you will need to transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. If you leave them on the cookie sheet, they are likely to get freezer burn.
5. Once packed, take a piece of tape and write the date and content on it. Tape the tape to the bag or container and put it back in the freezer. 
   1. This may seem like an unnecessary step, as you can be sure you’ll remember what you’ve frozen and when.
   2. 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 had frozen it. It is best to err on the side of caution.

By following these steps, you will be able to preserve the integrity of your poppers.

Can you freeze jalapenos before cooking?

If you’re making a big batch of jalapeño poppers from scratch, you may be wondering whether or not you can freeze the extras before cooking.

The answer to this question is a resounding yes. You can freeze your jalapeno poppers before cooking them. 

Follow the same steps above to freeze the poppers before cooking. They may need a few more minutes of cooking once you take them out of the freezer.

How long do jalapenos last in the freezer?

In general, you’ll want to use your jalapeños within 6-9 months of the initial frost date. After this age, they may begin to develop freezer burn or a less than appetizing flavor and texture.

Can frozen jalapenos be cooked?

You can cook the jalapeno poppers right from the freezer. Follow these instructions for best results.

1. Preheat oven to 385°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pour a teaspoon or two of cooking oil onto the parchment paper and spread it out evenly.
3. Take the jalapeno poppers out of the freezer and arrange them in a single layer on the cookie sheet.
4. Put the poppers in the oven and bake them for 15 minutes.
5. At 15 minutes, you can check them. Depending on your oven, you can rotate the baking sheet or flip them over so they are crisp on the other side.
6. Return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the outside is golden and crisp.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before eating. The cheese in the center will be very hot, so although it may be tempting to eat them right away, your mouth will thank you if you wait.

How long do jalapenos last in the fridge?

If you plan on eating your jalapeno poppers within a few days, then you may choose to store them in the fridge instead of the freezer. They will last about 3-5 days.

How to store jalapeños 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 a layer of jalapeno poppers in the bottom of the container.
3. Once that layer is full, take a piece of plastic wrap and place it on top of the jalapeños.
4. Place another layer of jalapeño poppers on top of the plastic wrap.
5. Continue laying down this layer 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, place more pieces of plastic wrap over the top of the poppers and seal the container.
7. Take a piece of tape and write the date and content with a permanent marker. Tear it up and glue it to the container. This will help you know if the poppers are still fit to be eaten.
8. Put them in the fridge and enjoy them within 3-5 days.

Are the Jalapeno Poppers spicy?

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

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

Peppers are sweet and not at all spicy, which is why they measure about 0 on the Scoville scale, while the Carolina Reaper scores 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 jalapenos typically remove the seeds and inner meat, they can be a little softer than if you ate the whole pepper, seeds and all. 

That’s not to say they don’t taste good, but combined with the cheese and coating they shouldn’t be so spicy as to burst your taste buds.

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

Can you use other peppers to make the Poppers?

If you want to make your own jalapeño poppers, you may be wondering if you can use other types of peppers. Of course you can, and each pepper will give you a different flavor and level of heat. 

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

• Poblano peppers are slightly larger than jalapeños, but have a milder level of heat. These differences can make them a perfect choice for people who want their popper to be less of a snack size and more of an appetizer. You can also try Anaheim peppers for a similar result.
• Pepperoncini peppers are another mild option, measuring between 100 and 500 SHU . Unlike poblano or Anaheim peppers, they are slightly smaller than jalapenos. They have a delicious bright flavor and can be filled with your favorite ingredients for a tasty alternative.
• Serrano peppers look similar to jalapeños, but are slightly hotter, with a content of 10,000-23,000 SHU . These peppers are a perfect choice for people who like a little extra heat in their popcorn.
• Another option that I love is Hungarian peppers, which are slightly hotter than jalapenos, with around 5,000-10,000 SHU . They have a lovely yellow color and a sweet and spicy crunch. The skin is quite thick so it holds the filling well like a popper.

Whatever your preference, there is a delicious pepper that you can use to make a completely unique and flavorful popper. Get creative with your fillings and don’t be afraid to try something new.

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