Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers — these little bites of heaven are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With a crispy bacon exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheesy filling, each popper offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Picture this: spicy jalapeños, rich cream cheese, and melty cheddar all wrapped in savory bacon. It’s a combination too good to resist, and trust me, once you serve these at your next gathering, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!”

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

I stumbled upon this recipe at a summer barbecue, watching friends huddle around the appetizer table, munching contentedly. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers quickly became my go-to party dish, and it’s easy to see why. They’re simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making them ideal for any occasion. So gather your friends, light up the grill, and prepare to impress with these easy, delicious delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 20 minutes of prep, with only 45 minutes in the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and smoky that’ll leave everyone wanting more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Each popper is fun to look at and even more fun to eat!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, game day snack, or even a fun side dish.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 large jalapeños: These are the star of the show! Choose firm, green jalapeños for optimal flavor. If you prefer less heat, consider using sweeter peppers.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: This adds a luscious creaminess. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing, and you can also use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar balances the spice of the jalapeños. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick.
12 slices of bacon, cut in half: Bacon provides that irresistible crunch and savory flavor. Choose thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a fragrant depth to the cheese filling. Fresh minced garlic works too, if you prefer.
1 tsp onion powder: This enhances the overall flavor; yellow onion can be sautéed and added for a different twist.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Adjust to your preference.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure crispy bacon and bubbling cheese.

Prepare: Cut the 12 large jalapeños in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and membranes. This step softens the heat; if you like it spicy, feel free to leave some seeds.

Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Stuff: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheesy mixture. Don’t be shy—add as much as you can fit!

Wrap: Take 12 slices of bacon, halved, and wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a piece, securing with a toothpick if necessary. The bacon should snugly hug the poppers, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the oven.

Bake: Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the poppers unbaked for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time. When reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through; this helps maintain that crispy bacon texture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overstuffing the jalapeños as they can burst during baking.
For the best flavor, use room temperature cream cheese; it blends more smoothly.
Keep an eye on the bacon; too much heat could result in burnt edges while the cheese is still warming.
If you prefer a milder flavor, blanch the jalapeños in boiling water for a couple of minutes before filling.
Make these a day ahead and refrigerate them overnight; they will be just as delicious when baked the next day.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are sure to impress your friends and family. With their delicious combination of flavors and textures, they are perfect for sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself!). Don’t hesitate to get creative – switch up the cheeses or experiment with different fillings. Each batch can be a new adventure, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of these poppers. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative, but keep in mind that it won’t get as crispy as traditional bacon. You might want to bake them a little longer to achieve your desired texture.

How can I make these poppers vegetarian?

You can substitute the bacon with a plant-based bacon or simply omit it entirely. For an extra crunch, consider covering the poppers with panko breadcrumbs before baking. They’ll still be delicious!

Can I prepare these poppers in advance?

Yes! You can prepare and stuff the jalapeños a day ahead. Just cover them tightly in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to eat. They’re great for parties because they can be made ahead of time!

What do I serve with Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?

These poppers pair wonderfully with dipping sauces. Consider creamy ranch, zesty sour cream, or a spicy salsa to complement those flavorful bites perfectly.

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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers offer a delicious flavor experience that combines spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese and crispy bacon. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, this easy recipe ensures you have a tasty treat ready in no time!

Ingredients

Scale

12 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 slices of bacon, cut in half
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite spices or additional cheese.
These can also be cooked on a grill for a smoky flavor.