Cream Cheese Poppers

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Golden, crisp on the outside and luxuriously creamy on the inside, Cream Cheese Poppers are the ultimate snack for cheese lovers. These bite-sized delights feature a light and airy batter that envelops a luscious cream cheese and herb filling, creating a beautiful contrast in textures. Whether you’re prepping for a game day party or need a quick and satisfying appetizer, these poppers are guaranteed to disappear fast.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can spice them up with jalapeños, blend in different herbs, or even tuck in some bacon bits. They’re as good fresh out of the fryer as they are made ahead and reheated for last-minute cravings. Trust me, once you pop one, you won’t stop!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cream Cheese Poppers a breeze, gather these kitchen essentials before you begin:

• Mixing Bowls: Crucial for combining your filling and batter separately without flavor cross-over.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps whip the cream cheese until fluffy and smooth.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For finely chopping herbs or optional add-ins like jalapeños.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Ensures evenly sized poppers.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Necessary for achieving that signature crispy golden crust.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Ideal for safely removing the poppers from hot oil.
• Paper Towels & Cooling Rack: To drain excess oil and keep them from getting soggy.

Using the right tools ensures smooth prep, consistent texture, and safe cooking—all key to a successful batch of poppers.

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Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Poppers

• Cream Cheese: The rich, tangy base for our filling—smooth and melts beautifully inside the crispy shell.
• Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild bite and lovely green flecks in every popper.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory element without overpowering.
• Salt: Balances and sharpens the flavor of the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure for our batter; gives the outer shell its form.
• Baking Powder: Adds lightness to the batter for that puffed, golden crust.
• Egg: Binds the batter and adds richness.
• Milk: Helps thin out the batter to just the right consistency.
• Oil (for frying): Neutral oil like canola or vegetable is perfect for deep frying.

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How To Make the Cream Cheese Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Stir in chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add in the egg and milk, stirring until a thick batter forms.

Step 3: Shape the Poppers

Scoop small portions of the cream cheese filling and shape into balls. You can chill them briefly to make handling easier.

Step 4: Coat and Fry

Dip each cream cheese ball into the batter, ensuring a full coat. Carefully drop them into hot oil and fry in batches at 350°F until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain!

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How to Serve and Store These Poppers

Serve Cream Cheese Poppers hot and fresh right after frying—this is when the exterior is crispiest and the center is at its meltiest. Pair them with cool ranch, spicy marinara, or a sweet chili dip for contrast. They make a fun appetizer for parties or a crave-worthy snack anytime.

To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the poppers from falling apart while frying?

Make sure your batter is thick enough to coat the filling well. Also, ensure the oil is hot (350°F) so the outside sets quickly.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! While they won’t be quite as crispy, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes until golden.

What other fillings can I use?

Try mixing in jalapeños, bacon bits, shredded cheese, or even crab meat for fun variations.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and refrigerate the filling up to 24 hours in advance.

Can these be frozen?

Yes, freeze them after forming and before frying. When ready, fry from frozen—just add an extra minute to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with them?

Ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or honey mustard all make excellent dips for Cream Cheese Poppers.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If these Cream Cheese Poppers have your taste buds dancing, here are a few more appetizers from my kitchen you might love:

• Taco Ranch Bites for a Tex-Mex inspired snack.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes when you’re craving cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells if you’re into creamy, savory bakes.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a hearty twist.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes when you want a sandwich-style comfort bite.

And for even more tasty creations, check out my Pinterest where I post daily recipes: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy with jalapeños? Or maybe added a twist with bacon or herbs?

I love seeing your spins on these favorites. Got questions? Drop them below—we’re all here to help each other cook with confidence!

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