Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Golden-brown Playoff Puffs arranged on a white platter, featuring Tostitos Scoops filled with creamy jalapeño-bacon mixture topped with melted Parmesan cheese

Playoff Puffs: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 35 puffs

Description

Playoff Puffs are an irresistible game-day appetizer made with Tostitos Scoops filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, bacon, and garlic, then topped with Parmesan and baked until golden and bubbly.


Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1 egg

  • 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and diced

  • 2/3 cup bacon crumbles

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembly:

  • 1 (10 oz) bag Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Substitution Notes:

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor

  • Turkey bacon works great for a lighter option

  • Swap jalapeños for diced green chiles if you want milder heat

  • Any scoop-shaped tortilla chip will work in place of Tostitos


Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat ensures the filling gets bubbly and golden while keeping the chips nice and crispy.

Step 2 – Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and egg together until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps—this is your creamy base! A hand mixer makes this super easy, but a whisk works great too.

Step 3 – Add Flavorings

Add the diced jalapeños, bacon crumbles, and garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated and you can see those beautiful flecks of bacon and green peppers throughout.

Step 4 – Arrange Chips

Arrange your Tostitos Scoops cup-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. You want to give them a little breathing room so the heat circulates evenly.

Step 5 – Fill the Scoops

Spoon the filling into each chip scoop. A cookie scoop works perfectly here for portioning the filling evenly—about a tablespoon per chip. Don’t overfill them or the filling might spill over during baking.

Step 6 – Add Parmesan

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each filled puff. This creates that irresistible golden crust!

Step 7 – Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and starting to turn golden on top. Keep an eye on them—you want the cheese melted and slightly browned but not burnt.

Step 8 – Serve

Serve hot for the best results! These are most delicious fresh out of the oven while the filling is still warm and melty and the chips are at their crunchiest.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked bacon crumbles to save time, but crispy homemade bacon tastes even better if you have a few extra minutes

  • Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes cleanup so much easier and prevents any cheese from sticking to the pan

  • If your filling seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out slightly

  • Make a double batch of the filling and freeze half for next time—just thaw and assemble when you need a quick appetizer

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American