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Best Easy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

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These easy bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper bites are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, smoky, and salty. With a foolproof method for crispy bacon and a creamy filling, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game days, potlucks, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • 10–12 fresh jalapeños, firm and medium-sized
  • 10–12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • Toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Prepare the jalapeños: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes. Wear gloves for this step.
  3. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fill the jalapeños: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but not overflowing.
  5. Wrap with bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Take one half-slice and wrap it around each filled jalapeño half, starting at one end and overlapping slightly. Secure the end of the bacon with a soaked toothpick.
  6. Arrange on the wire rack: Place the wrapped poppers on the prepared wire rack, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes: Bake for 15 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip each popper. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
  8. Let them rest: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the rack for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use thin-cut bacon and ensure cream cheese is truly softened. Soak toothpicks in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Flip poppers halfway through baking for even crispiness. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold. For air fryer: cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, easy appetizer, game day snack, spicy, creamy, bacon, jalapeño popper bites

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/best-easy-bacon-wrapped-jalape-n-o-popper-bites-recipe/