Description
These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate party snack, featuring spicy jalapeños stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. Baked to perfection, this easy appetizer is packed with flavor and perfect for game days, barbecues, or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and deseeded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 6 ounces bacon (about 12 slices), cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes. If you prefer a little heat, leave some seeds in.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Use a fork to mix everything until well incorporated.
- Fill the jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, pressing it down slightly so it stays level with the edges. Avoid overfilling, as the cheese will expand when baked.
- Wrap with bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, slightly overlapping the ends to keep it secure. If needed, use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 additional minutes at the end.
- Let cool and serve: Allow the poppers to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, or salsa.
Notes
- For extra crispy bacon: Bake the poppers on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
- Storage & reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 325°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing option: Freeze unbaked poppers on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace bacon with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 275mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg