1. Prepare the Jalapeños

Start by preparing the jalapeño peppers. Cut off the tops of the jalapeños and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or your fingers to remove the seeds and membranes inside the peppers. The seeds and membranes contain most of the heat, so removing them will help reduce the spiciness. However, if you enjoy a spicier dish, you can leave some of the seeds in.

Once the peppers are cleaned and halved, set them aside. You may want to wear gloves while handling the jalapeños to avoid irritation from the pepper oils. If you do not have gloves, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers, especially before touching your face.

2. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spoon or a hand mixer to blend the cheeses together until smooth. If you’re adding bacon or sausage, mix the crumbled bacon or cooked sausage into the cheese mixture. This will add a savory, smoky flavor to your filling.

Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the filling and add a zesty, fresh note to the dip. If you prefer a spicier filling, you can add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture, but be cautious, as it will increase the overall heat.

3. Stuff the Jalapeños

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Be generous with the filling, as you want to pack the peppers with plenty of creamy, cheesy goodness. Use the back of the spoon to press the filling into the jalapeño halves and ensure that each one is evenly filled.

If you’d like, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top of each stuffed jalapeño for added crunch. The breadcrumbs will toast up as the jalapeños bake, creating a golden, crispy topping. Lightly drizzle each jalapeño with a small amount of olive oil to help with browning during baking.

4. Bake the Stuffed Jalapeños

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the jalapeños cut-side up to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Bake the jalapeños for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. If you’ve added breadcrumbs or tortilla chips to the top, they should be nicely toasted by the time the jalapeños are done. Keep an eye on the peppers toward the end of baking to ensure the filling doesn’t burn.

5. Serve the Stuffed Jalapeños

Once the stuffed jalapeños are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the jalapeños hot, garnished with additional fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or paired with a variety of dipping sauces.