Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe for Spicy Joy

Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers pack a spicy punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly inside each fiery pepper, creating an irresistible appetizer.

Jalapeños bring the heat while smooth cream cheese cools things down.

Bacon adds a smoky crunch that turns this snack into pure magic.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in minutes for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Weekend gatherings or game nights demand these little flavor bombs that disappear faster than you can plate them.

You’ll want to double the batch because one bite is never enough.

Why Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Are A Party Hit

  • Spice Up Game Day: Perfect for sports gatherings and social events where everyone craves bold, shareable bites.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: Bacon and cheese combination guarantees these poppers will disappear quickly from any party platter.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by removing more or fewer seeds, making these poppers adaptable for different taste preferences.
  • Master Simple Cooking Technique: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients that deliver impressive results.

Everything That Goes Into Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Main Ingredients:
  • Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh peppers that provide the base and spicy kick for the appetizer.
  • Bacon: Thin slices that wrap and add savory flavor to the poppers.
  • Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that creates a creamy and rich filling for the poppers.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese that adds extra flavor and texture to the filling.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Green Onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and fresh green color to the filling.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle and aromatic garlic taste to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky and slightly spicy dimension to the poppers.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the bacon around each stuffed jalapeno popper.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup during baking.

How To Make Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Fast

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Station

Fire up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Get your toothpicks ready for bacon-securing duty.

Step 2: Tame the Jalapeno Heat

Slice those spicy peppers down the middle lengthwise.

Scoop out the seeds and inner membranes with a spoon to reduce the intense heat. Pro tip: wear gloves to protect your hands from the fiery jalapeno oils.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend everything until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Stuff Those Peppers

Generously fill each jalapeno half with the decadent cheese mixture.

Don’t be shy – pile it high for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Wrap with Bacon Magic

Carefully drape a slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeno.

Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep everything in place during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the bacon-wrapped poppers on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for crispy, golden-brown bacon and tender jalapenos.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the poppers rest for a few minutes. The filling will be molten hot!

Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Tips To Perfect Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

  • Remove seeds carefully to reduce heat intensity and prevent accidental hand burning.
  • Use gloves when handling jalapenos to protect your skin from spicy oils.
  • Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives for vegan or lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Partially cook bacon before wrapping to ensure crispy texture and prevent undercooked meat.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

  • Smoky Ranch Poppers: Replace cream cheese mixture with ranch seasoning and add a sprinkle of smoked gouda for extra depth.
  • Breakfast Bomber Poppers: Incorporate crumbled breakfast sausage into the cream cheese filling and use maple-glazed bacon for a morning-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Magic Poppers: Mix feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil into the cream cheese filling, then wrap with prosciutto instead of bacon.
  • Tex-Mex Fiesta Poppers: Blend pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, and cumin into the cream cheese mixture, then serve with a quick salsa drizzle after baking.

Perfect Pairings For Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

  • Sip a Cold Beer: Crisp lager or hoppy IPA perfectly cuts through the rich, spicy poppers and cleanses the palate with its refreshing carbonation.
  • Pair with Chilled White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the heat and creaminess, offering a light, zesty complement to the bacon-wrapped treat.
  • Serve with Cooling Dip: Smooth ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing provides a tangy counterpoint, softening the jalapeno's spice and adding extra flavor dimension.
  • Match with Sparkling Margarita: Tequila-based cocktail with lime and salt echoes the poppers' bold profile, cutting through the richness while enhancing the overall spicy experience.

Store Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers The Easy Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover poppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual poppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the packaging.
  • Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange poppers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and bacon regains crispiness.
  • Microwave Option: Place poppers on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals. Check temperature between intervals to avoid overcooking.

Get Answers On Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

  • Are jalapeno poppers very spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapenos. Removing seeds and membranes significantly reduces spiciness, making them milder and more enjoyable for most people.

  • Can I prepare jalapeno poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the poppers earlier and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

  • What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thin or regular-cut bacon is ideal. Thick-cut bacon might not crisp up as well and can take longer to cook through.

  • How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy?

Use a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow excess fat to drip down, ensuring crispier and less greasy bacon-wrapped poppers.

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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers deliver a crispy, creamy explosion of flavor that ignites taste buds with bold Mexican-inspired charm. Guests will devour these irresistible appetizers, craving each cheesy, smoky bite of pure culinary excitement.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 large jalapeno peppers
  • 12 slices of bacon
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (57 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (20 grams) finely chopped green onions
  • Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by preheating the oven to 400°F, ensuring an optimal cooking environment for crispy results.
  2. Carefully halve the jalapenos lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds and inner membranes to control heat intensity.
  3. Create a flavor-packed filling by blending cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a creamy, well-integrated mixture.
  4. Generously fill each jalapeno half with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Wrap each cheese-stuffed jalapeno with a bacon slice, securing the bundle with a toothpick to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
  6. Arrange the bacon-wrapped poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for even heat circulation.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until bacon turns golden and crisp while jalapenos become tender and slightly charred.
  8. Allow the poppers to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.

Notes

  • Carefully remove seeds to reduce heat intensity, using a small spoon or paring knife for precise removal.
  • Consider using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and better coverage around jalapeno peppers.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or goat cheese for unique flavor variations.
  • For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon or use less bacon by cutting strips in half.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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