Southern Recipe Cheesy Jalapeno Curls You Must Try

If you’re craving a savory, spicy, and utterly addictive Southern snack, these Cheesy Jalapeno Curls are your new go-to treat. Bursting with creamy cheese and just the right amount of heat from jalapenos, these curls are perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in.

The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a soft, cheesy center that will keep you reaching for more. They’re easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and embody the true spirit of Southern comfort food.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, these curls are simple enough to whip up quickly but impressive enough to wow your friends and family. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s cheesy, spicy, and downright delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Cheesy Jalapeno Curls combine the best of comforting flavors with a spicy kick that’s just right—not too overpowering, but enough to tantalize your taste buds. These curls are:

• Easy to prepare: Just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfectly cheesy: Melty cheese blends with jalapenos for a rich, creamy bite.
• Crunchy and satisfying: The golden curls have a delightful crispness.
• Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for your Southern-themed meals.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level or add different cheeses to suit your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting in butter)
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your curls tender.
3. Fold in cheese and jalapenos: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapenos. If you prefer milder curls, reduce the jalapeno quantity or remove seeds.
4. Roll out dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Aim for a rectangular shape approximately 12×8 inches.
5. Cut curls: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips lengthwise. Then, carefully curl each strip into a spiral shape. Place the curls on a parchment-lined tray.
6. Heat oil: In a deep fryer or large heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the curls for even frying.
7. Fry curls: Fry the curls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the curls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Transfer to a cooling rack to keep them crispy.
9. Serve and garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm for the best cheesy, spicy experience.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough mixture.

Variation: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a creamier, spicier curl.

Make it healthier: Bake curls at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes instead of frying. Brush lightly with olive oil before baking.

Spice it up: Add finely diced pickled jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a fiery twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Southern Cheesy Jalapeno Curls are a fantastic snack on their own, but you can also serve them alongside some classic Southern favorites or refreshing sides:

• Pair with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip for extra creaminess.
• Serve alongside Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to balance the spicy kick with fresh greens.
• Complement with a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for a warm and hearty meal.
• Serve as a crunchy side with your favorite barbecue dishes or Southern-style dinners for an irresistible combination.

Conclusion

These Southern Cheesy Jalapeno Curls offer a delightful blend of creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and a satisfyingly crispy texture that is sure to become a family favorite. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual snack, a party appetizer, or part of a larger Southern feast.

With customizable spice levels and variations, you can make these curls your own, adapting the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Don’t hesitate to explore other recipes to complement your Southern snack cravings. For a fresh twist on plant-based meals, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore hearty options like the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious.

Happy cooking and enjoy these cheesy, spicy curls with loved ones!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Southern Recipe Cheesy Jalapeno Curls”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These cheesy jalapeno curls are a spicy, savory snack perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside with a gooey cheese center, they bring southern comfort with a kick.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted”, “2 large jalapenos, finely chopped”, “1/4 cup cream cheese, softened”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 cup milk”, “1 large egg”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and chopped jalapenos.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine melted butter, milk, and egg; stir into dry ingredients until dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread cheese and jalapeno mixture evenly over dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch curls.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place curls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “8 g”, “fatContent”: “17 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}