Jalapeño poppers are jalapeño peppers that have been hollowed out, stuffed with a mixture of cheese, spices, and sometimes ground meat. They are either then breaded and deep fried or prepared unbreaded, (optionally) wrapped in bacon, and baked or grilled. Panko has become a popular choice for breading.[1][2] They are sometimes served with some kind of dip (marinara sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream or a jelly made of jalapeño and habanero peppers) as hors d'œuvres at restaurants and bars.
In the classic version the peppers are blanched, then stuffed with a Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese mix, then breaded with a milk-egg-breadcrumb mixture and deep fried. They are served with ranch dressing or a berry preserve.
There are extensive variations using ground meat, mushrooms, bacon, or crab, and cooking methods such as baking or grilling.
The origin is unclear, but they are most likely an Americanized version of the classic Mexican dish, chile relleno.
Often they are mass produced and frozen, to be deep fried.
The term "Jalapeño Poppers" was initially used as a trademark by Anchor Food Products of Appleton, Wisconsin for their brand of cheese-stuffed jalapenos. The Poppers brand has since been expanded to include a line of frozen appetizers — mozzarella sticks, breaded mushrooms, and the like.
On April 30, 1992, Anchor Food Products applied for and later received a trademark on "Jalapeno Poppers";[3] however, the word "Poppers" had been trademarked in 1983 by the Poppers Supply Company of Portland, Oregon, for use with popcorn.[4] On September 27, 1993, the Poppers Supply Company successfully applied for a trademark on "Poppers" when used for "coated and breaded vegetable pieces", which they held until the trademark was transferred to Anchor Food Products on September 12, 2001.[5]
On September 25, 2001, H.J. Heinz announced that it had completed the acquisition of the Poppers brand; however, a third party, McCain Foods acquired Anchor's production facilities.[6]