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Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe Easy Stuffed with Cream Cheese

crispy bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are a quick and easy snack featuring spicy jalapeños stuffed with a creamy cheese blend and wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for game nights or casual hangouts, they offer a delicious combination of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded (leave some seeds for extra heat)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Leave some seeds if you prefer more heat. Pat jalapeño halves dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Microwave for 10 seconds if cheese is too firm for easier spreading.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Avoid overstuffing to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
  5. Wrap one slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeño half. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place the poppers seam-side down on a lined baking sheet or wire rack to prevent filling leakage and ensure even bacon crisping.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp bacon evenly. Watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  8. Check that bacon is crispy, jalapeños are tender but hold shape, and cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  9. Remove toothpicks, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon for faster crisping. Pat jalapeños dry before stuffing to prevent sogginess. Flip poppers halfway through baking for even crispiness. An air fryer can reduce cook time by 5-7 minutes. Let poppers cool 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set. For milder poppers, remove all seeds or substitute mini sweet peppers. Variations include using pepper jack cheese, prosciutto, turkey bacon, or adding cooked sausage or shrimp to the filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, cream cheese, appetizer, snack, game day, easy recipe, spicy, cheesy