Jalapeño poppers are among the most popular finger food recipes — for good reason! They fulfill every need for a good appetizer: they're bite-size and highly shareable, crunchy on the outside, creamy (and filled with ooey-gooey cheese) on the inside, and have just the right amount of spice. But while we love poppers in their traditional form, it can be fun to mix things up and try new recipes from time to time, which is why we rounded up 12 twists on the classic recipe below. If you're looking to enjoy the awesome flavors of a popper in a totally new way, or just want to try a different take on an old favorite, you're in luck.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Baked Stuffed Chicken

This recipe combines jalapeño poppers with chicken, resulting in one of the most delicious dinner recipes of all time. A chicken breast is coated with bread crumbs, then stuffed with diced jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar jack cheese, green onions, and bacon. Use gluten-free panko to make it gluten-free, and serve it with rice, beans, or salad to complete the meal.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Baked Stuffed Chicken by Skinnytaste

Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers

While jalapeño poppers are classic game day grub, many fans want to avoid deep-frying (and the resulting clean-up). This recipe trades frying for baking, making it simple to execute in your own kitchen. You can even prepare the jalapeño halves ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when you're ready. The crisp bacon not only adds rich flavor, but it also holds the sharp cheddar cheese in place so that it doesn't ooze all over the baking sheet.

Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers by The Kitchn

Bacon-Jalapeño Cheese Ball

This easy recipe delivers all the flavors of jalapeño poppers in the form of a cheese ball! The cream cheese balances the spice of the jalapeños, and the mixture can be spread over crackers or chips. It's a crowd-pleaser thanks to the smooth texture of the cream cheese mixture, plus it only takes about 20 minutes to make. Feel free to use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a low-calorie alternative.

Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Ball by Life in the Lofthouse

Baked Jalapeño Poppers

If you're looking for a great guilt-free Super Bowl recipe, this one's for you. Lighten up the traditional popper recipe by baking them instead of frying them, and make them gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and flour. You'll have crispy, golden-brown poppers in just under 30 minutes!

Baked Jalapeño Poppers by Recipe Girl

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup

Enjoy all the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a cozy, comforting soup! This recipe is made with traditional ingredients like fresh jalapeños, bacon, and cheese, as well as chicken broth, white beans, and corn. It's perfect for chilly days, and you can prep a big batch to use all week long. Serve the soup with tortilla chips, or crumble them on top for an extra crunch.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup by Closet Cooking

Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

Upgrade your lunch break with this unique twist on the standard grilled cheese recipe. Oozing with melted mascarpone and cheddar cheese on the inside and crispy on the outside, they also pack some heat thanks to the jalapeños. Pair it with soup or salad for a delicious lunch or dinner, or cut into smaller squares for finger food that everyone can enjoy at a party.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese by Jo Cooks

Jalapeño Popper Pizza

Craving pizza but looking for an out-of-the-box recipe? Don't skip this jalapeño popper pizza. Pizza dough is slathered with a jalapeño ranch dressing, then topped with jalapeños, bacon, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Requiring only 5-10 minutes in the oven, it's a perfect pick for game day or pizza night at home.

Jalapeno Popper Pizza by Closet Cooking

Queso Blanco Dip

A staple at many Mexican restaurants, jalapeños, tomatoes, cheese, and fresh cilantro come together to create this smooth and silky queso blanco dip. All you need is 10 minutes, and it reheats well so you don't have to worry if you have any leftovers. Serve it with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or spoon it over chicken or vegetables for a burst of spice and flavor.

Queso Blanco Dip by Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Screamin' Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers

These screamin' stuffed jalapeños mean business. Not only do they bring the heat, but they also call for unique ingredients like basil and sun dried tomatoes, resulting in a fun twist on traditional poppers. Wrap them in bacon, bake them, then broil them until the bacon is nice and crisp. Serve them on game day or at a party for a deliciously spicy appetizer.

Screamin' Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon by Jo Cooks

Jalapeño Popper Quiche

Enjoy the flavors of jalapeño poppers for breakfast with this easy quiche recipe! Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and jalapeños are blended with a creamy egg mixture and baked in a buttery crust. Impress your brunch guests by serving this unique quiche recipe, and feel free to make it milder by seeding the jalapeños.

Jalapeño Popper Quiche by Closet Cooking

Sausage and Ricotta Jalapeño Poppers

An Italian spin on the American staple, this recipe substitutes ricotta for cream cheese, with chopped pepperoncini and Italian sausage to add extra heat. These poppers lend a slightly sophisticated feel and are perfect for a holiday party or special occasion.

Sausage and Ricotta Jalapeño Poppers by Food Republic

Love these twists on jalapeño poppers? You may enjoy one of these related recipes on Yummly:
Jalapeño Popper Egg Cups
Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken
Healthy Jalapeño Poppers
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño Popper Wonton Cups