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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a quick and easy homemade snack featuring spicy jalapeños filled with a creamy cheese mixture and wrapped in smoky bacon. Perfect for entertaining and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 oz (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Jalapeños (10 minutes): Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to control heat.
  2. Make the Filling (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cilantro or chives. Stir until smooth.
  3. Fill Each Pepper (5 minutes): Using a small spoon, stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, forming a slight mound.
  4. Wrap with Bacon (5 minutes): Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon, spiraling to cover completely. Press gently to seal and use toothpicks if needed.
  5. Bake (20-25 minutes): Place wrapped poppers on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbly. Rotate tray halfway through baking.
  6. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Let poppers cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. Use thin-cut bacon for best crispiness. Rotate the baking tray halfway through cooking for even crisping. If bacon isn’t crisping evenly, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Let poppers rest after baking to allow cheese to set. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, use vegan cream cheese and turkey or plant-based bacon. Poppers can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep bacon crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, snack, appetizer, party food, easy recipe, spicy, cheesy