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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers combine spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and smoky bacon for a flavorful, easy-to-make snack perfect for parties and game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise, seeds removed for less heat
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or small spatula.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese filling is bubbly. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely.
  8. Let the poppers cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon for even crisping. Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Pat jalapeños dry to prevent sogginess. For less heat, remove all seeds; for more heat, leave some seeds. Air fryer option: cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 15 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, spicy snack, appetizer, game day food, easy recipe, creamy cheese filling