1. Can I make these popper bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Fill the tortilla chips just before baking for the best crunch.

2. How spicy are these bites, and how can I adjust the heat?

The spice level is moderate, depending on the jalapeños used. To reduce heat, remove all seeds and membranes. For more kick, add an extra jalapeño or use a spicier cheese.

3. What can I use instead of tortilla chip scoops?

If you don't have tortilla chip scoops, try mini bell peppers, endive leaves, phyllo cups, or sturdy crackers. Just make sure they can hold the warm filling.

4. Can I make these without bacon for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! You can skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture and umami flavor.

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites

Name: Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 3 jalapeños, seeded and diced; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese; 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 48 Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips

Description

These bacon jalapeño popper bites are a quick and easy appetizer featuring a creamy, cheesy filling with a spicy kick, served in crispy tortilla chip scoops.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 green onions, thinly sliced
3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
48 Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, green onions, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, pepper jack cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Spoon about a teaspoon of the filling into each tortilla chip scoop and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Top with additional bacon and cheddar cheese if desired.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Make the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
Remove all jalapeño seeds and membranes to reduce spiciness.
Use mini bell peppers or phyllo cups as an alternative to tortilla chips.
Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 69
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 88mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 14mg