Quick Answer
The quick answer is that jalapeno poppers can be made gluten free, but it depends on the specific ingredients used. The jalapeno peppers themselves are naturally gluten free. However, the batter or breading used to make jalapeno poppers sometimes contains gluten. So you need to check the label or recipe to know for sure. Many recipes use cornmeal, rice flour, or other gluten free alternatives for breading. Overall, with the right gluten free ingredients, jalapeno poppers can be a tasty gluten free appetizer.
What Are Jalapeno Poppers?
Jalapeno poppers are a popular appetizer made by stuffing halved jalapeno peppers with cheese, usually cheddar or cream cheese. The stuffed peppers are then breaded or battered and deep fried until the cheese filling is melted and gooey.
The breaded exterior provides a crispy contrast to the spicy, cheesy filling. The combination of hot peppers, cool creamy cheese, and crunchy coating makes for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing snack.
Jalapeno poppers were likely inspired by similar chile relleno appetizers in Mexican cuisine. The dish has become a staple appetizer and game day food across the United States.
Ingredients in Jalapeno Poppers
The main ingredients in basic jalapeno poppers are:
– Raw jalapeno peppers – provides spicy heat and the filling vessel.
– Cheese – usually cheddar, Monterey jack, or cream cheese for the filling.
– Breading or batter – typically flour, cornmeal, panko, etc. to coat the exterior.
– Egg wash or buttermilk – helps the coating stick to the peppers.
– Oil for frying – usually vegetable or canola oil.
So the gluten content depends entirely on the ingredients used for breading or batter. Traditional flour contains gluten, while cornmeal, rice flour, and panko breadcrumbs are naturally gluten free.
Are Jalapenos Naturally Gluten Free?
Yes, jalapeno peppers themselves are gluten free. Jalapenos are part of the nightshade family and are a pod vegetable closely related to bell peppers and chili peppers.
Fresh, raw jalapeno peppers contain no gluten sources or grains at all. So plain, unstuffed jalapenos can be safely consumed on a gluten free diet.
This makes jalapenos a good spicy ingredient for marinades, salsas, chili, and other gluten free dishes. Their popularity in Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex recipes aligns well with gluten free needs.
However, once jalapenos are breaded and fried into poppers, the gluten content depends on the coating.
| Ingredient | Gluten Free? |
|---|---|
| Jalapeno peppers | Yes |
| Cheddar cheese | Yes |
| All-purpose flour | No |
| Cornmeal | Yes |
| Panko breadcrumbs | No |
Cheese Filling
The most common cheese fillings used for jalapeno poppers are:
– Cheddar – Aged cheddar provides the classic sharp flavor contrast to the jalapenos. Most cheddar cheese is gluten-free, just check labels to be safe.
– Cream cheese – Cream cheese provides a cool, creamy base for fillings. Brands like Philadelphia cream cheese are gluten-free.
– Pepper jack – For spicy cheese lovers, pepper jack adds an extra kick to the already hot jalapenos. Major brands of pepper jack cheese are gluten free.
– Monterey jack – Monterey jack is a melty choice that also has a mild flavor to balance out the heat. Typical Monterey jack is gluten free.
– Cheese mixes – Many recipes combine pepper jack or cheddar with cream cheese for a flavorful, creamy filling.
As long as you use major brands of cheese and read labels to confirm gluten free status, the cheese filling for jalapeno poppers is generally safe for gluten free diets.
Traditional Breading Contains Gluten
The traditional breading for fried jalapeno poppers is not gluten free. Typical batter contains:
– All-purpose flour – Wheat flour contains gluten, so is not gluten free.
– Whole milk & eggs – Dairy and eggs are fine for a gluten free diet.
– Spices and seasoning
Some recipes simply coat the peppers in seasoned flour before frying. Again, the all-purpose flour contains gluten.
Breading with panko Japanese breadcrumbs or crackers would also contain gluten.
So the standard recipes for battered or breaded jalapeno poppers are not gluten free due to the flour and breadcrumbs used.
How to Make Gluten Free Jalapeno Poppers
There are a few simple tweaks to make jalapeno poppers gluten free:
Use Cornmeal or Rice Flour
To replace regular flour, use finely ground cornmeal or rice flour instead. These naturally gluten free flours provide the crunch and binding without the gluten.
Cornmeal provides a signature crunch and corn flavor that pairs well with the jalapenos. Rice flour is neutral in flavor. Make sure to use finely ground varieties.
Try Gluten Free Panko
For a Japanese breadcrumb style coating, look for gluten free panko. These are made from rice or other gluten free grains instead of wheat breadcrumbs.
Gluten free panko crumbs can be used alone or blended with cornmeal for extra crunch.
Use Egg as Binder
Whisking egg with milk or buttermilk creates a great binder for gluten free breading. Dip peppers in egg wash before coating to help it adhere.
The egg and dairy add richness while helping seal in the filling.
Season Breading
Add spices and herbs to flavor the gluten free coating. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper are all good options.
You can also use grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor in the breading. Most parmesan is naturally gluten free.
How to Make Gluten Free Jalapeno Poppers:
Gluten Free Jalapeno Poppers Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 12 medium jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
– 8 ounces cream cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup gluten free cornmeal or rice flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying
1. Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Carefully fill each jalapeno half with cheese mixture. The cream cheese helps seal the filling inside.
3. In shallow bowl, mix cornmeal or rice flour with spices. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place egg wash in another shallow bowl.
5. Dip each filled pepper in egg wash, then cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Fill skillet with 1-2 inches oil and heat to 350°F.
7. Fry jalapeno poppers 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain on paper towel lined plate and serve warm.
This gluten free version uses cornmeal and rice flour for a crispy, seasoned coating. The egg helps it stick while the cream cheese filling stays safely tucked inside the fried jalapenos. Enjoy this spicy, gluten free appetizer!
Buying Gluten Free Jalapeno Poppers
If you want a quicker option without the hassle of frying at home, you can find prepared gluten free jalapeno poppers for purchase.
Here are some brands offering gluten free jalapeno poppers and fritters:
Truenorth Snacks
Truenorth makes all their poppers, fritters, and snacks with gluten free ingredients.
Their jalapeno poppers are breaded in rice and sorghum flours with no wheat. The cheese filling is cheddar and Monterey jack.
You can find Truenorth poppers at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger’s frozen food sections.
Oberto Snacks
Oberto uses cornmeal coating for their jalapeno and cheese fritters, making them gluten free. Fritters are small bite-sized versions of poppers.
Their products are available at many major grocery chains and online.
Tastefully Free Foods
This brand offers frozen gluten free jalapeno poppers using rice flour coating and all natural ingredients.
They are sold through online retailers like Amazon Fresh and at specialty health food stores like Sprouts Farmers Market.
Read Labels Carefully
When buying any prepared jalapeno poppers or fritters, be sure to check the ingredients and labels. Avoid any with wheat flour listed.
Call or email the manufacturer if you have any concerns about potential cross contamination. Proper protocols and gluten free certification provide peace of mind.
Jalapeno Popper Dip and Other Recipes
In addition to the classic fried poppers, you can get creative with jalapenos and cheese in gluten free recipes like:
Jalapeno Popper Dip
This tasty dip combines all the flavors of poppers in an easy dip. Blend cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, and seasonings until smooth and serve with tortilla chips or veggies.
Stuffed Jalapenos
Cut fresh jalapenos lengthwise and stuff with your favorite cheese and gluten free breadcrumb mix. Bake in the oven until melted and browned.
Jalapeno Cornbread
Add diced jalapenos and shredded cheese to your favorite gluten free cornbread or muffin recipe for a spicy bite.
Jalapeno Cheese Ball
Whip cream cheese, cheddar, diced jalapenos, and gluten free seasonings into a cheese ball. Coat with crushed corn chips or nuts.
Jalapeno Cheese Pizza
Add sliced pickled jalapenos and extra cheese to your gluten free pizza for excitement.
So beyond classic fried jalapeno poppers, let these recipes inspire you to add jalapenos and cheese to dips, bakes, appetizers, and other gluten free dishes.
Are Jalapenos and Cheese Gluten Free?
To quickly recap:
– Raw, plain jalapeno peppers are naturally gluten free.
– Most common cheeses used for filling like cheddar and cream cheese are gluten free.
– Standard breading and batter with wheat flour is NOT gluten free.
– Substitute cornmeal, rice flour, or gluten free panko for the coating to make it gluten free.
So with the right gluten free ingredients, you can definitely enjoy jalapeno poppers even with celiac disease or on a strict gluten free diet. Just follow the tips above to adapt recipes or find trusted gluten free brands of pre-made poppers to save time.
Jalapenos and cheese make a spicy, creamy combo that can be modified to be gluten free so you don’t have to miss out. Whip up a batch of gluten free poppers to enjoy game day, parties, snacking, or anytime.
Conclusion
Jalapeno poppers are a very versatile appetizer that can easily be made gluten free. The jalapeno peppers themselves are naturally gluten free, and most cheese fillings are fine on a gluten free diet as well.
By using cornmeal, rice flour, or gluten free panko instead of regular flour for the coating, you can make gluten free jalapeno poppers at home. There are also pre-made options using gluten free ingredients available from brands like Truenorth and Oberto.
With some simple substitutions, gluten free breading, and careful label reading, those on a gluten free diet don’t have to miss out on these tasty, spicy appetizers. Jalapeno poppers can be a delicious part of your gluten free game day menu or anytime snacks.
