If you like Jalapeno Poppers, your are going to love my Cuban Sandwich Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers! This Cubano sandwich inspired appetizer is always a hit!
I teamed up with Smithfield who sent me some of their Anytime Favorites Hickory Smoked Premium Quarter Boneless Sliced Ham to use in a recipe creation. 
One thing my whole family can agree on when it comes to food is ham, every one of us loves ham. So I knew I could come up with something delicious that everyone would enjoy!
Who here enjoys stuffed jalapenos? They always seem to be a crowd favorite and never last long when they are put out. As I thought about what I would make with my ham I thought to myself, "why has no one ever made a "Cuban Sandwich" in a jalapeno??" "Bet that would be kinda yummy."
I was right! Delicious!
As I was tinkering with how to make these Cuban Sandwich Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers, I had a thought about also using some roasted pork in the peppers. I actually tried it, however my taste testers and I enjoyed them better without it, plus it's less effort, so that is what I recommend, however you do you.
Table of Contents
Why you'll enjoy these Stuffed Jalapenos
These Cuban Sandwich Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are a nice variation from the traditional poppers filled with cream cheese as well as those filled with cheddar and wrapped with bacon. Give these a try for an after school snack or as a side dish. They would also be great for a Barbecue, tailgating party or just because. You won't be disappointed!
I loved how it all came together! I thought I was a smartypants incorporating the mustard into the topping lol!
Ingredients
- Jalapenos
- Swiss cheese
- Ham
- Kosher pickles
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper
These Cuban Sandwich Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers were really good! I timed them to be ready for when the kids got home from school and knew my husband wouldn't be too far behind.
My 14 year old son kept coming back for more and more (which always makes a momma happy). My husband and I also ate the heck out of them!
Tips
- Little dessert spoons are a great tool for making quick work of removing jalapeno seeds & stems!
- Always be careful when working with jalapenos in case you get a few hot ones. Don't touch your eyes or face.
- Add cheese in and on top if you want it extra cheesy.
- Bake on parchment paper lines baking sheets for easy cleanup.
Easy to make with leftover ham
- Start with big beautiful jalapenos and hollow them out.
- Combine your ham, Swiss cheese, and kosher pickles and you have your base for the filling.
- Then it's tied together with the Panko Topping which is where I added in the mustard and the butter traditionally found in a Cuban Sandwich.
- Bake them up
Make a few of these Cuban Sandwich Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers or make an army...just make them and let me know if you do!
Enjoy this stuffed jalapeno appetizer!! XO Colleen
Recipe originally posted September, 2016. Updated May, 2024.
Appetizer Recipes to try
Cuban Sandwich Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 15 jalapenos
- 4 oz brick of Swiss cheese diced small
- 3 slices Ham diced small
- 5 Kosher pickles seeds removed and diced very small
- ¾ cup plain Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 TBS butter
- ½ TBS Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Slice your jalapenos in half and clean them out with a small dessert spoon (removing stems and seeds from the insides and discard). Be careful of your eyes while you do this. Don't touch your eyes with your fingers for a while after.
- Line jalapeno halves on a baking sheet, stuff with the ham, cheese and pickles. I prefer layering the pickles in first, followed by a mixture of the ham & cheese.
- Press down to allow a tight fit of the mixture into the peppers.
- Combine the Panko, butter and mustard, blend with your fingertips until completely incorporated. Season with salt & pepper.
- Place a mound of crumbs atop each pepper.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on your preference for pepper doneness as well as pepper size and thickness.
- These can also be made on the grill.
- Serve and enjoy.
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
These are so cute -- party perfect!
Brandy | Nutmeg Nanny says
Fall party perfection! Genius idea! Our family are huge cuban sandwich fans! This would be a massive hit!
Jessica @Savory Experiments says
What a creative flavor combination! I can't wait to make some for watching football this weekend.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I love jalapeño poppers so these are right up my alley! Great idea!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Those look awesome, I could definitely pop several of those...and then pop several more! 🙂
Carolyn says
Love this twist on Jalapeño Poppers!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
I love these Cuban inspired Jalepeno Poppers - brilliant flavor combos!
Kim says
I have made these two times. The first time I followed the recipe exactly. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a nice twist on a popper. The second time I made a few adjustments. I was not a fan of the Dijon mustard. The yellow mustard added a better flavor and I added a little extra. I also added more pickles. On a side note this recipe inspired me to try different fillings for poppers. I am now using leftovers and stuffing the poppers. Example. Taco poppers, philly cheese steak poppers what ever my left overs are. Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
Colleen says
Love it Kim!!