Cheese Stuffed Marijuana Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno Poppers are a popular appetizer or snack consisting of jalapeño peppers stuffed with a flavorful filling, typically cheese, and then breaded and fried or baked until crispy.
The name Poppers comes from the idea that they are small enough to be popped into the mouth in one or two bites. We are bringing you a cannabis-infused version to try in your kitchen!
PREP TIME: 30 mins / COOK TIME: 15 mins
TOTAL TIME: 45 mins / SERVINGS: 12
This recipe will have about 30 mg THC per pepper IF you used decarboxylated average kief (40% THC).
Ingredients
- 1x link Chorizo (small, optional)
- 1/2 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1x teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 medium jalapeno peppers
- 1 gram decarboxylated kief or hash, finely crumbled
- 3x large eggs
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 2x teaspoons salt
- 2x teaspoons black pepper
- Approximately 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Cannabis concentrate
Decarboxylation
Before marijuana goes into a frying pan or oven, it needs to be decarboxylated. Decarboxylation is a crucial step in preparing cannabis for consumption, as it activates the cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, making them more potent and bioavailable.
To decarboxylate kief or hash, you will need to apply gentle heat to the cannabis concentrate, which converts the inactive THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the high associated with cannabis.
Preheating the Oven
Before decarboxylating the kief or hash, preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is low enough to avoid burning or degrading the cannabinoids while effectively activating them through decarboxylation. It is essential to use an ovenproof dish or container that can withstand the heat without warping or cracking.
Placing the Kief or Hash
Once the oven is ready, carefully place the kief or hash in a single layer inside the ovenproof dish. Spreading the concentrate ensures uniform decarboxylation and prevents uneven heating or hot spots that could degrade the cannabinoids.
Baking Time
Bake the kief or hash in the preheated oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25 minutes. This duration allows sufficient time for the decarboxylation process without risking over-decarboxylation or excessive loss of potency. Keep an eye on the cannabis concentrate during baking to prevent it from becoming too dark or overheated.
Cooling and Storing
Once the decarboxylation process is complete, remove the ovenproof dish from the oven and allow the kief or hash to cool completely before handling. The decarboxylated cannabis concentrate can then be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until ready to use. You can add properly decarboxylated kief or hash can to various recipes, such as the cheese-stuffed marijuana jalapeno peppers, to infuse them with the desired potency and effects.
Preparation
Cooking the Chorizo
If using chorizo in your recipe, start by heating a small skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chorizo, either removed from its casing or chopped into small pieces, depending on the type you have. Cook the chorizo for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking it into tiny bits with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the chorizo becomes crispy, releasing flavorful oils.
Combining with Cheeses and Oregano
After cooking the chorizo, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the grated Monterrey Jack cheese and Mozzarella cheese. These cheeses will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to the filling. Additionally, sprinkle in the dried oregano, which will infuse the filling with aromatic flavor and complement the savory notes of the chorizo in your jalapeno poppers. Use a spoon or spatula to toss the cooked chorizo, cheese, and oregano until evenly combined.
Setting Aside
Once the chorizo, cheeses, and oregano are well mixed, set the mixture aside while you prepare the jalapeño peppers. Giving it some rest allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the filling. The chorizo and cheese mixture will serve as the delicious stuffing for the jalapeño peppers, adding a rich and flavorful element to each bite.
Cut the Peppers
Cutting the Jalapeños
Start by selecting fresh jalapeno peppers that are firm and vibrant in color. To prepare them for stuffing, carefully slice each jalapeño lengthwise from the stem down to the tip, creating a single slit along the top of the pepper. This slit allows you to open up the jalapeno and access the inner cavity for easy filling.
Creating a “T” Cut
After making the lengthwise slit, take your knife and create a crosswise “T” cut at the top of the jalapeno, perpendicular to the first slit. This additional cut forms a small opening at the top of the pepper. It helps remove the seeds and membranes while keeping the rest of the pepper intact. The “T” cut also provides a convenient slit for stuffing the jalapeño later.
Removing Seeds and Membranes
Use a paring knife or a small spoon to remove inner membranes and seeds from each pepper. These parts of the pepper contain most of the heat, so removing them allows you to control the spiciness of the finished dish. Be sure to scrape out all the seeds and membranes while keeping the rest of the pepper flesh intact.
Leaving the Pepper Intact
Throughout the cutting and seeding process, handle the jalapenos gently to avoid damaging or breaking them. Leaving the pepper intact ensures that it retains its shape and holds the filling securely during baking. Once preparation is complete, they are ready to be stuffed with the delicious cheese and chorizo mixture before being cooked to make perfect jalapeno poppers!
Make Portions
Dividing the Cheese Mixture and Kief or Hash
After preparing the cheese mixture and finely crumbled kief or hash, portion them out for stuffing the Jalapeno Poppers. Divide the cheese mixture and the kief or hash into 12 equal parts, ensuring each contains a balanced combination of cheese and cannabis concentrate.
Stuffing the Peppers
Working with one Jalapeno Popper at a time, take a portion of the cheese mixture and gently squeeze it around a part of kief or hash. This process ensures that each stuffed pepper contains an even distribution of cheese and cannabis concentrate, providing consistent dosing and flavor throughout the dish. By individually adding the weed concentrate to each pepper, you can control the dosage more precisely, ensuring that each serving has the desired potency.
Carefully Compact the Stuffing
Once the cheese and cannabis mixture is in the Jalapeno Popper, gently squeeze the seams together to compact the stuffing inside. Sealing the peppers this way helps the filling stay securely in place during the breading and frying process. You also create a neater and more uniform appearance for the finished Jalapeño poppers.
Repeat for Remaining Jalapeno Poppers
Continue this process for each remaining Jalapeno Poppers until all 12 are ready with the cheese and cannabis mixture. Take care to handle the peppers gently to avoid tearing or breaking them. Once you do this with every piece of pepper, coat it with breadcrumbs.
Coat the Peppers
Beat the Eggs
Begin by cracking the eggs into a small bowl. Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs until they are well combined. Beating the eggs helps break them down and create a smooth, uniform mixture, ensuring that the stuffed peppers are coated evenly during the breading process.
Preparing the Breadcrumb Mixture
In another bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients until the salt and pepper are distributed evenly throughout the breadcrumbs. This breadcrumb mixture adds flavor and texture to the jalapeno peppers, keeping them crispy after cooking.
Coating the Stuffed Peppers
Using a pair of tongs, carefully dip each stuffed Jalapeno Poppers into the beaten eggs, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Allow any excess egg to drip off the pepper back into the bowl. The egg acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface of the peppers.
Rolling in Breadcrumbs
After dipping the stuffed pepper in the eggs, transfer it to the bowl containing the breadcrumb mixture. Roll the pepper in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface. The breadcrumbs will form a crispy outer layer when the peppers are fried or baked, adding texture and flavor to the finished dish.
Double Dipping
For extra crunch and flavor, repeat the dipping process for each pepper. Once again, dip the pepper in the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumbs. This double dipping method creates a thicker coating of breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier exterior for the Jalapeno Poppers.
Placing on Baking Sheet
As you coat each pepper, place it on a clean baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arranging the peppers on a baking sheet ensures they are ready for the next step in the cooking process, whether frying or baking in the oven. Once all the peppers are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, they are ready to go into the oven or pan.
Fry & Serve!
Heating the Oil
Begin by pouring approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, preferably cast-iron skillet. Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat and allow the oil to heat up to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is recommended for accurate frying.
Frying the Peppers
Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the stuffed Jalapeno Poppers to the skillet in batches. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy peppers. Fry the peppers until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, which typically takes about 3 minutes per side.
Monitoring the Cooking
As the peppers fry, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning or overcooking. Use tongs to gently turn the peppers halfway through the cooking process, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides. The cheese inside the peppers should be melted and gooey when served.
Draining Excess Oil
Once the poppers are golden brown and cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer the fried Jalapeno Poppers to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain off any excess oil. Allowing the peppers to drain helps ensure the poppers remain crispy and delicious.
Serving the Jalapeno Poppers
Once all the peppers have been fried and drained, they are ready to be served immediately. Arrange the Jalapeno Poppers on a serving platter and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh herbs or a drizzle of sour cream. Serve the poppers hot and enjoy their deliciously crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy filling.
Infusing Cannabis into Other Recipes
In recent years, the culinary world has seen a surge in the popularity of cannabis-infused recipes, offering a unique twist to traditional dishes and elevating the dining experience to new heights. From savory appetizers like cannabis-infused jalapeño poppers to decadent desserts such as cannabis-infused brownies, incorporating cannabis into cooking has become a creative and innovative endeavor for many home chefs.
Begin with Decarboxylation
The process of infusing cannabis into culinary creations always begins with decarboxylation, a crucial step that activates the cannabinoids present in the plant material, making them bioavailable and potent. Once decarboxylated, cannabis can be incorporated into various recipes, imparting its unique flavors and effects to the dish.
Get Creative & Experiment
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, experimenting with cannabis-infused cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it allow for creative expression and culinary exploration, but it also offers an alternative way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in a delicious and enjoyable form.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, experimenting with cannabis-infused cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it allow for creative expression and culinary exploration, but it also offers an alternative way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in a delicious and enjoyable form.
Do let us know if you enjoyed this yummy recipe. Would you like to learn more about cannabis cooking methods? Stay tuned to the Cannabis21+ blog for future goodies.
