Name: Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 batch pimento cheese, preferably cold from the fridge; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 ½ cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable or canola oil for frying, about 2 to 3 inches in a saucepan; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup milk; 3 tablespoons fresh chives or 1 tablespoon dried chives; 2 tablespoons fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill weed; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 22 reviews

Oh, get ready to indulge in a snack that’s bursting with Southern charm and a spicy twist! These Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch are pure magic—a crispy, golden exterior hiding a creamy, cheesy center that perfectly pairs with a cool, herbaceous jalapeño ranch dip. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a comforting treat, these poppers deliver bold flavor, texture, and that irresistible Southern kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its own special role—from the rich and tangy pimento cheese to the crunchy panko coating that wraps around every bite. These simple essentials come together to craft a snack that’s crispy, creamy, and vibrantly flavorful.

Pimento cheese (cold from the fridge): This star ingredient offers the creamy, cheesy filling that melts perfectly inside the poppers.
All-purpose flour (⅔ cup): Used to create a tacky base layer helping the coating stick flawlessly.
Eggs (2, lightly beaten): They act as the glue holding the breadcrumbs in place during frying.
Seasoned panko breadcrumbs (1 ½ cups): For that signature crunchy, golden crust with a flavorful seasoning boost.
Vegetable or canola oil: You’ll need about 2 to 3 inches of oil for deep frying to get that perfect crisp texture.
Jalapeño (1, seeded and diced): Adds the perfect level of heat and freshness to the ranch dip.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (1 cup): Gives the jalapeño ranch its creamy, tangy base.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds richness and a smooth texture to the dip.
Milk (½ cup): Thins the ranch to just the right consistency for dipping.
Fresh chives (3 tablespoons) or dried (1 tablespoon): Brings a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
Fresh dill (2 tablespoons) or dried dill weed (2 teaspoons): Injects a fragrant, herbaceous note to the ranch.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon) or dried (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and depth to the dip.
Fresh lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Provides a lively citrus tang that balances the richness.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle, savory kick without overpowering.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile of the ranch.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together with just the right seasoning.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth.
Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness that complements the jalapeño’s heat.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch

Step 1: Prepare and Chill Your Pimento Cheese Balls

Start by grabbing your cold pimento cheese—this is crucial for easy shaping. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the pimento cheese and roll it into neat little balls. Uniform size helps them cook evenly. Once you have them all rolled, pop the sheet into the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling firms everything up, so the coating sticks well and the balls don’t fall apart during frying.

Step 2: Whip Up the Jalapeño Ranch Dip

While the cheese balls chill, you can create the show-stopping jalapeño ranch. Blend diced jalapeño, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, milk, and your fresh herbs with spices and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This dip is fresh, tangy, and packs a welcome kick to balance the poppers’ rich cheese interior.

Step 3: Get Your Breading Station Ready

Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy saucepan to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, set up three shallow bowls or plates for your dredging process: one with flour, another with lightly beaten eggs, and the last filled with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. This triple-step breading provides the perfect crispy shell.

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Poppers

Remove the pimento cheese balls from the freezer one at a time for the breading process: first roll each ball in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat generously with panko breadcrumbs. Fry 2 to 3 balls at a time in the hot oil, watching carefully and turning occasionally for even browning. Fry them for about 2 minutes or until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them delightfully crunchy.

Step 5: Serve Immediately with Jalapeño Ranch

These poppers shine brightest right out of the fryer, accompanied by a generous bowl of that creamy jalapeño ranch. The contrast between the hot, crisp popper and the cool, zesty dip is literally irresistible.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley over the poppers to add a little fresh color and mild oniony brightness. For extra flair, a pinch of smoked paprika on top of the jalapeño ranch will amp up its smoky depth and look stunning.

Side Dishes

These poppers are perfect party starters or snacks, but pairing them with simple sides like a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw complements their richness beautifully. For a Southern-inspired spread, add some pickled veggies or crispy sweet potato fries to complete the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh veggies sticks—carrots, celery, and cucumber—for a colorful, inviting display. Or serve them skewered with wooden picks next to small dipping ramekins of the jalapeño ranch for easy party munching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep the poppers and ranch separate to maintain crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, breaded pimento cheese balls before frying. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. When ready, fry them straight from frozen, adjusting the frying time as needed.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy goodness, reheat leftover poppers in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pimento cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that some store-bought versions are too soft or mayo-heavy, which might cause the poppers to fall apart while frying. If you find a firmer, less saucy brand, it should work well. Otherwise, homemade is always your safest bet for these poppers.

Is there a way to make these poppers without deep frying?

Yes! Using an air fryer can be a great alternative. Keep the poppers frozen after breading, spray them lightly with olive oil, and air fry at 375 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. The result will still be tasty and crisp, just slightly different from traditional frying.

How spicy is the jalapeño ranch dip?

The dip has a gentle warmth from the jalapeño without overwhelming the flavor. You can adjust the heat by using less jalapeño or leaving some seeds in if you want more kick. It’s designed to complement and balance the richness of the cheese poppers.

Can I prepare the jalapeño ranch ahead of time?

Definitely! The jalapeño ranch actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. Just store in a sealed container and give it a good stir before serving.

How long does it take to make these poppers from start to finish?

Including chilling time, it usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The prep and breading go pretty quickly, but freezing the cheese balls before frying is key for the best results.

Final Thoughts

You seriously can’t go wrong with these Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch. They’re fun, flavorful, and downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo snack session, this recipe comes with all the heart and soul of a Southern classic, plus a little spicy twist. I hope you give these a try soon—you’re going to love every crispy, creamy bite!