These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a spicy treat that everyone loves! Stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, they’re perfect for parties or game day.
Who can resist that smoky bacon and spicy kick? I can easily eat a whole plate—and I bet you will too when you whip these up! 🍴
Making these is super fun! Just slice the jalapeños, fill them with cheese, wrap in bacon, and bake. They’re always a hit at my gatherings, and they vanish in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are key for that spicy kick. If you want something milder, try using poblano peppers or even sweet mini peppers. Just know that the heat level will change!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese works well too. Vegan cream cheese is a great substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for the added flavor. You could swap it with pepper jack for more heat or even mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bacon: Standard bacon offers a fantastic crispy texture. Turkey bacon can be used for a lower-fat option, but it won’t get as crispy. You could even try prosciutto for a fancier twist!
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Getting your bacon nice and crispy can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- Use thick-cut bacon—it holds up better and crisps nicely.
- Make sure to space the jalapeños out on the baking sheet so the heat circulates freely.
- Broil the last few minutes of baking for extra crispiness, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Letting them cool a bit before serving helps the cheese set slightly, making for an easier bite without all the gooey cheese spilling out!
How to Make Delicious Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers should take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes for baking. So, set aside approximately 35-40 minutes to enjoy these tasty snacks from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze later on.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Next, grab the jalapeños and slice each one in half lengthwise. Be careful as you do this! Remove all seeds and membranes inside the jalapeños. This will help reduce the heat, but if you like it spicy, feel free to leave some seeds!
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. This is the delicious filling for your poppers!
4. Fill the Jalapeños:
Take a spoon and fill each jalapeño half with the cheesy mixture, pressing it down slightly so it stays in place. Don’t be shy—load them up!
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Now it’s time for the best part: wrapping! Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each filled jalapeño half. If the bacon doesn’t stay in place, you can use a toothpick to secure it.
6. Arrange and Bake:
Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is all bubbly and slightly golden. Yum!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes—trust me, your fingers will thank you! If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a lovely garnish.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers! These are sure to be a hit at your next gathering! 🌶️🥓
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you could try pepper jack for a bit more heat, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
How Can I Make These Poppers Ahead of Time?
Great idea! You can prepare the jalapeños up to the wrapping stage and refrigerate them for a few hours or even overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in the oven cold!
What Should I Do with Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want less heat, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra spice, you can include some seeds or use spicier peppers like serranos. Adjust to your taste!
