Description
Spicy Cajun Crab Poppers are a delicious appetizer made with jalapeño peppers stuffed with a creamy crab filling and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin oils.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the crabmeat until just combined, being careful not to break up the lump pieces and preserving their texture.
- Spoon the crab mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, mounding the filling slightly above the edges for an appetizing presentation.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, then evenly distribute over each filled popper.
- Arrange the poppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through and slightly bubbling at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the poppers to cool for 5 minutes before serving to prevent burns and allow the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg