Can you reheat jalapeno poppers?
Yes, you can absolutely reheat jalapeno poppers! In fact, jalapeno poppers were designed to be prepared ahead of time and then warmed up later before serving. The cream cheese filling and crispy bacon wrapping on jalapeno poppers make them hold up very well to reheating. As long as you reheat them properly, they will taste just as delicious as when they were first prepared.
What is the best way to reheat jalapeno poppers?
The oven is the best way to reheat jalapeno poppers. To reheat in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the cooled, pre-cooked jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
The oven allows the jalapeno poppers to heat evenly all the way through without overcooking the outside. Baking helps keep the bacon wrapped around the jalapeno crisp.
You can also reheat jalapeno poppers in the microwave, but they may end up a bit soggy. To microwave:
- Place jalapeno poppers on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, checking frequently, until heated through (about 1-2 minutes total).
The quick heat of the microwave can make the bacon soggy, so oven reheating is definitely preferred for maintaining texture.
How long do reheated jalapeno poppers last?
Properly stored, reheated jalapeno poppers will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to maximize freshness. Place cooled jalapeno poppers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Reheated poppers can also be frozen for longer term storage. Allow to cool completely then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to bags or containers. Frozen, reheated jalapeno poppers will keep for 2-3 months.
Can you reheat jalapeno poppers twice?
It’s best not to reheat jalapeno poppers more than once. The texture of the bacon is likely to suffer after multiple reheatings, becoming unappealingly rubbery.
The filling can also become dried out and the jalapeno peppers might pick up a mushy texture.
For food safety, reheated jalapeno poppers should be eaten within 3-4 days and are best not reheated again after that time period.
If you have leftovers, your best bet is to use them to make another recipe like jalapeno popper dip or soup rather than trying to reheat the poppers a second time.
Troubleshooting reheated jalapeno poppers
Soggy bacon
If your reheated jalapeno poppers have soggy bacon, the likely culprit is the microwave. The rapid heating can cause the bacon to turn limp and lose its crispness. Oven reheating is gentler and helps maintain that crisp bacon texture.
Dry, rubbery texture
If your poppers end up dry and rubbery, they were probably overbaked. When reheating in the oven, stick to 10-15 minutes and check frequently to avoid overdoing it.
Mushy peppers
Mushy peppers mean they were likely reheated for too long. Cut back on your reheating time and be sure to check them early when baking or microwaving.
Bland flavor
For added flavor, brush the jalapeno poppers lightly with olive oil or melted butter before reheating. You can also sprinkle on a little extra salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices.
Serving Tips
To get the most out of your reheated jalapeno poppers, follow these serving tips:
- Serve immediately after reheating so they are hot and crisp.
- Pair with cool, creamy dips like ranch, blue cheese, or sour cream to balance the heat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, green onion, bacon bits, etc.
- Skewer with toothpicks for easy pick up finger food.
- Add a side salad for some fresh veggies to cut the richness.
Storing and Freezing Uncooked Jalapeno Poppers
You can make jalapeno poppers ahead of time and store the uncooked, assembled poppers for later cooking and reheating. Here are some tips:
Refrigerating
Place assembled, uncooked jalapeno poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to overnight.
Freezing
Assemble jalapeno poppers but do not wrap with bacon. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Transfer frozen unwrapped poppers to freezer bags or airtight containers. They will keep frozen for 2-3 months.
When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before wrapping with bacon and baking. Unwrapped, pre-frozen jalapeno poppers require a few minutes longer in the oven.
Conclusion
Jalapeno poppers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and game day. With proper storage and reheating, you can make them ahead of time with no sacrifice to taste or texture. Reheat in the oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately with cool, creamy dips. Follow proper food safety guidelines and enjoy your reheated jalapeno poppers within 3-4 days. Now that you know how to reheat them, you can prep them in advance for easy entertaining anytime.