Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a delightful combination of spicy and savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Imagine creamy, cheesy filling nestled in a tender jalapeño and enveloped in crispy, sizzling bacon. They are perfect for any gathering or simply when you’re craving something indulgent. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of warmth from the jalapeños, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer.
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I first stumbled upon these little wonders at a summer barbecue, and ever since, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Not only are they easy to make, but they also pack a punch that rivals any fancy restaurant appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe only takes about 20 minutes to prep, and then you let the oven work its magic for just 25 more minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cheese filling paired with the smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These poppers not only taste fantastic but look fun on any platter, making them a hit at parties.
- Flexible Serving: They’re perfect as a hot party snack, superb for game day, or even enjoyed at cozy movie nights.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make these gluten-free by ensuring the bacon is certified gluten-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 large jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring heat and flavor. Choose firm ones for a satisfying crunch.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This creamy cheese adds richness to the filling. Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, your choice! Cheddar adds a delightful bite and rich texture.
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crunch.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: This will give your filling a warm, aromatic touch without overshadowing the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp onion powder: A hint of sweetness and depth. If fresh is available, finely chopped onions can add texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These will enhance all the flavors in your dish, so don’t skimp!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your bacon turns crispy and your cheese is perfectly melted.
Prepare the jalapeños: Take each of the 12 large jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or a small knife to carefully remove the seeds and membranes, which will reduce the heat level significantly. If you crave more spice, skip this step, or leave a few seeds in!
Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. The combination should be rich and flavorful, providing a lovely contrast to the heat of the jalapeños.
Fill the jalapeños: Grab a spoon or use a piping bag if you want to feel fancy, and fill each jalapeño half generously with the creamy cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—stuff them well!
Wrap with bacon: Take each stuffed jalapeño and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. You might want to secure the bacon with a toothpick if it’s not holding well. The bacon will crisp up beautifully in the oven, so make sure it’s tightly wrapped around the popper.
Bake to perfection: Arrange your wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out for even cooking. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the cheese filling is bubbling and slightly golden.
Storing & Reheating
Once your Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers have cooled, you can store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled poppers on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Please note that reheating may cause the texture to soften a bit, but they’ll still have that delightful flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overfilling the jalapeños, as this can cause the filling to overflow during baking.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother blend—this helps the filling mix easily with the other ingredients.
- If you find the bacon isn’t crisping up as much as you’d like, try broiling them for a minute or two at the end of baking—keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Experiment with cheese! While cheddar is classic, a blend of pepper jack or mozzarella can elevate the flavor.
- These poppers can be made ahead of time! Just prepare them, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Not only are Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers incredibly satisfying, but they also invite creativity. Feel free to experiment with different spices or cheeses. Before you know it, these poppers will become your go-to crowd-pleaser at every gathering. Trust me when I say that they won’t last long once served!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers instead of jalapeños?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, try using mini sweet peppers. They won’t have the same heat, but they’ll still be just as delicious stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.
How do I make these poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove all seeds and membranes from your jalapeños. You can also choose to use fewer jalapeños and substitute with bell peppers for a completely mild version!
Can I bake these poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the poppers and then refrigerate them raw. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven as directed. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?
These poppers pair wonderfully with a creamy dip, like ranch or blue cheese, and they make an excellent accompaniment to crispy tortilla chips and fresh salsa or guacamole.
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📖 Recipe Card
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a mouthwatering appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add diced green onions or spices into the cheese mixture.
Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Adjust the amount of jalapeño seeds left in for desired heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
