bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe
The Best bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy jalapeño peppers stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection. These poppers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack with a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
🥘Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 12 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for crispier bacon)
- Toothpicks (for securing)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Chopped fresh cilantro
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. -
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated. -
3
Carefully halve the jalapeño peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes (wear gloves if sensitive to spice). -
4
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but without overstuffing. -
5
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped poppers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. -
6
Optional: Lightly brush the bacon with olive oil for extra crispiness. -
7
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning). -
8
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Toothpicks
- Oven
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
1. Can I make bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the poppers a day in advance by wrapping the jalapeños in bacon and storing them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the crispiest texture. If you need to save time, you can partially bake them, let them cool, and then refrigerate. Finish baking them just before serving.
2. What’s the best cheese to use for jalapeño poppers?
Cream cheese is the most common choice because it melts smoothly and balances the heat of the jalapeños. For extra flavor, you can mix in shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or even a bit of goat cheese. Some recipes also use a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy filling.
3. How do I keep the bacon from shrinking too much?
To minimize bacon shrinkage, use thick-cut bacon and avoid overstretching it when wrapping the jalapeños. You can also partially pre-cook the bacon (about 5-7 minutes in the oven or pan) before wrapping it around the poppers. This helps render some of the fat and keeps the bacon snug during baking.
4. Can I air-fry bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Air-frying gives the poppers a crispier texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as air fryers can vary in temperature.
5. How do I make jalapeño poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before stuffing them. You can also soak the halved jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes before filling them, which helps mellow the spice. If you prefer no heat at all, substitute the jalapeños with mini bell peppers or mild poblano peppers.