Pavati Brands Only Sides Cream Cheese Poppers: Pickle, Jalapeño & 4 Cheese Review

Today, Kevin and I are diving into a tasting of OnlySides cream cheese poppers in three distinct flavors: Four Cheese, Pickle, and Jalapeno. These intriguing snacks caught our eye in the frozen section at Jungle Jim’s International Market in Ohio, priced at $7.69 each.

Product Overview

Flavors Available:

1. Four Cheese: A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and two other cheeses, enveloped in a crispy panko crust.
2. Pickle: Cream cheese mixed with dill pickle pieces, providing a tangy and creamy bite.
3. Jalapeno: A spicy combination of cream cheese and jalapeno bits, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Cooking Instructions

Contrary to our initial assumption, these poppers are not oven-bake friendly. Here’s the proper way to prepare them:

1. Heat Oil: Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a saucepan and heat to 350°F.
2. Fry Poppers: Place the poppers in the hot oil, frying each side for 1.5 minutes until golden brown.
3. Drain and Serve: Remove the poppers with tongs and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Key Features

1. Size and Appearance:

• Four Cheese: Larger, albino-colored poppers.
• Pickle: Similar in size to the Four Cheese, with a pale appearance.
• Jalapeno: Also large, with visible green jalapeno pieces.

2. Texture and Taste:

• Four Cheese: Crispy on the outside, with a soft, fluffy interior due to the cream cheese. The combination of cheeses provides a rich, savory flavor.
• Pickle: Light and airy, with a noticeable dill flavor. The small pickle pieces add a refreshing tang without overwhelming the cream cheese.
• Jalapeno: Slightly spicy with a fresh, green pepper taste. The jalapeno bits give a mild heat, balanced by the creamy filling.

3. Nutritional Information:

• Four Cheese: 70 calories per piece.
• Pickle: 60 calories per piece.
• Jalapeno: 50 calories per piece.

Cooking Experience

The poppers fry up beautifully, maintaining their shape without bursting. They float to the top of the oil when done, making it easy to judge their readiness. We found that a deep fryer, if available, can help maintain consistent oil temperature, though a saucepan works well too.

Taste Test Results

Four Cheese: These were a hit with their rich, cheesy flavor and delightful crispiness. The cream cheese filling was notably softer than traditional mozzarella sticks, offering a unique texture.

Pickle: The pickle poppers stood out for their tangy flavor. The cream cheese and dill pickle combination was surprisingly refreshing and light.

Jalapeno: These were our favorite, providing a pleasant heat without overpowering the creamy cheese. The jalapeno flavor was reminiscent of deep-fried banana peppers, offering a nostalgic taste experience.

Conclusion

OnlySides cream cheese poppers are a fantastic snack option for those who enjoy crispy, cheesy bites with unique flavors. They are easy to prepare and offer a delightful range of tastes and textures. Whether you prefer the rich cheesiness of the Four Cheese, the tangy pickle flavor, or the mildly spicy jalapeno, these poppers are sure to satisfy. If you've tried them or spotted them in your area, let us know your thoughts!