Description
These crispy crawfish-stuffed jalapeños feature a creamy Cajun crawfish filling, sharp cheddar, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large jalapeño peppers, fresh
- 1 cup crawfish tails, chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra sharp preferred)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra parsley or chives, chopped (optional garnish)
- Thinly sliced green onions (optional garnish)
- Dash of hot sauce (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and dry jalapeños. Slice each in half lengthwise, keeping the stem attached if possible. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped crawfish tails, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar, mayonnaise, green onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until well-blended and creamy.
- Using a spoon or scoop, fill each jalapeño half generously with crawfish mixture. Press down lightly so filling is even with the edges.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle mixture over each stuffed jalapeño, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Place stuffed jalapeños cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or wire rack for extra crispness). Make sure they don’t touch.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until jalapeños are tender and topping is golden brown. Check at 15 minutes—if topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- For extra crunch, broil the jalapeños on high for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch closely.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with extra parsley, chives, or a dash of hot sauce, if desired.
- Arrange on a platter or wooden board. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed jalapeño
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: Crispy Crawfish Stuffed Jalapeños