
Tortilla Chip-Crusted Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Tortilla chip crusted baked jalapeño poppers recipe that’s easy, amazing and better than the fried version! Perfect appetizer for entertaining and ready in around 30 minutes.
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Who here loves chips? *Everyone raises their hand*
Seriously though, everyone loves a good crunchy, perfectly salted tortilla chip. They easily complete sandwiches, make turkey chili 10x better than it already is and just so happen to be the perfect companion to guacamole.
When I was growing up, there were several ‘staple’ grocery items my Mom always purchased: sesame bagels with extra salty butter, crunchy carrots with hummus, leafy green salads, ice cream and… tortilla chips! She always had a bag of chips open and ready to be devoured. #ChipAddictSince1993
I’m curious: what’s your favorite tortilla chip? Personally, I love Way Better Snacks, Siete Grain Free Chips (OMG SO GOOD YOU MUST TRY) and of course, the original Sun Chips. We’re definitely a chip family over here. Every time I go over to Tony’s parents house, they have at least 6 bags of chips at their house.
Personally I don’t know if I have enough self control to have that many bags of chips in my house at one time.
Of course, because we’re serious chip lovers over here I thought it would be fun to create an easy recipe for you. Say hello to these tortilla chip crusted baked jalapeno poppers that are way better than the fried version at Applebee’s. A delicious mouthful that you’ll want to devour ASAP after baking.
As you probably already know, jalapeño poppers are typically fried. While they’re a tempting appetizer at a restaurant, they also leave you feeling overly full. So then I thought, why not bake them? You’ll know the exact ingredients that are being used and they’re just as delicious (if not more).
There’s not artificial about them.
Tips for making these baked jalapeño poppers
These baked jalapeno poppers made the ultimate party appetizer or snack and just so happen to be a breeze to make. Here’s how to make them:
- fill each jalapeno half with a lightened up cream cheese/cheese mixture. You can use a dairy free cream cheese and dairy free cheese if you’d like
- drench each jalapeno popper in the egg coating
- smash tortilla chips in a plastic bag, or in the chip bag itself, then pour into a bowl
- dip each egg-coated popper crunchy tortilla chip crust, then bake, eat and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It makes a difference and I love hearing from you! You can also show me your creations by tagging #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram.
Tortilla Chip-Crusted Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients
- 10 Jalapeños, sliced in half, membranes and seeds removed
- 40 of your favorite tortilla chips (I suggest a flavored version)*
- 4 oz light cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 tablespoon almond milk (regular milk also works)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add the tortilla chips and process until they resemble fine crumbs (like bread crumbs). Transfer to a shallow bowl and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheese and milk until combined. Set aside.
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In another separate bowl, beat together egg and egg white. Set aside.
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Stuff each jalapeno half with cream cheese mixture. Do not overfill.
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Dip each stuffed pepper half in the egg mixture completely, then roll the pepper in the chip mixture and place pepper on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with each pepper.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Serve while the poppers are hot!
Recipe Notes
*My favorite to use here are Sriracha Way Better Snacks Chips, Garden Salsa or Cheddar Sun Chips and Nacho Siete Chips
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
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17 comments
Made these today for the first time! I made them exactly as written and using regular tortilla chips. They were absolutely delicious! I did cook them the full 20 minutes to get the tops nice and golden. Saving the recipe for the next time I need a game day snack!
Perfect! Love these for game day snacks 🙂
Easy and delicious. I used vegan cream cheese.
Really great alternative to the fried version and pretty easy to make! Highly suggest using the flavored chips.
Absolutely!!
These were so good! The flavors reminded me and my husband of those not-so-healthy nachos that you can get at a stadium, but I know exactly what are in these and feel much better about eating them 😆 love the crunchiness from the chips to contrast the soft cheese and jalapeño. And SO EASY!
Absolutely! Such a great app 🙂
These are so good and surprisingly super easy to make! I loved the suggestion to use the nacho flavor siete chips – I’ve used those and regular tortilla chips and definitely like the extra flavor from the nacho chips.
Made these for the super bowl and they were amazing! Used nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips so a little extra flavor like Monique recommended. So good!
YUM great idea!!
I am obsessed with all things YOU! Using all of your recipes for my family’s turkey day! How would you make these ahead of time?
Omg THANK YOU! Can’t wait for you to try all the recipes 🙂 I think you could make them start to finish ahead of time, freeze, and bake in the oven to reheat. Or stuff the peppers ahead of time and do the coating/baking right at the end.
This meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish for your next dinner party. It’s also a great dish to make with friends or family because it has such a variety of flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy!
Made these for Super Bowl and they were delicious!! Used Nacho Doritos. Loved them! Thanks for a great recipe that is a keeper.
Nice! Omg that sounds amazing. Thanks for the review, Mitch!