Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and crispiness, look no further.

Our Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the ideal party snack.

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Jalapeno Poppers are one of those things that my husband always orders when we go out. They’re one of his favorites, in all forms and varieties.

Little does he know how easy they are to make at home.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients:

• 12 medium jalapeño peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Creating the Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine room-temperature cream cheese, finely shredded cheddar, and a teaspoon of garlic powder. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Assembling the Poppers

Take each jalapeño half and generously fill it with the cheese mixture. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks. Place these on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to achieve that golden-brown perfection. The cheese should be bubbling, and the bacon, crispy.

Step 5: Serving Up

Once your baked jalapeño poppers are done, it’s time to take them out. Transfer these little flavor bombs to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that extra touch.

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are best served hot, straight from the oven. The creamy cheese, the spicy kick of jalapeños, and the crispy bacon create a symphony of flavors that’s sure to please any palate.

Additional Info

Tips

Handling Jalapeños

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid transferring the oils to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or plan to touch your face.

Adjusting Spice Levels

If you want to control the spiciness, you can leave some seeds or membranes in the jalapeños for an extra kick. If you want a milder flavor, remove all seeds and membranes.

Creative Cheese Choices

Experiment with different cheese combinations. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even blue cheese can add unique flavors to your poppers.

Bacon Options

Try different types of bacon, such as maple-glazed or peppered bacon, for added flavor.

Try Jalapeno Poppers Grilled

If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers instead of baking them. Just make sure to use a grilling basket or wrap the poppers in aluminum foil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

Variations:

Sweet and Spicy Twist

Add a touch of sweetness by sprinkling a little brown sugar on top of each popper before baking. This creates a delightful sweet and spicy contrast.

Stuffed with Meat

Enhance the filling by adding cooked and crumbled sausage or finely chopped cooked shrimp. This not only adds more flavor but also makes the poppers more substantial.

Dipping Sauces

Serve the poppers with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, bleu cheese dressing, sriracha mayo, or a sweet chili sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding finely chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, or even sautéed vegetables to the cheese mixture for texture.

Whether you’re hosting a party, a game night, or just looking to treat yourself, these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are guaranteed to be a hit.