Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe: Spicy Joy

Spice lovers rejoice as these irresistible bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers deliver a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly inside crispy, salty bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers with a kick of heat that tingles your palate.

Each bite promises a decadent blend of textures and zesty warmth that beckons you closer.

These poppers are not just an appetizer; they’re a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

The combination of jalapeños, cream cheese, and crispy bacon creates a harmony of flavors that will steal the show at any gathering.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these poppers guarantee smiles and satisfied cravings.

Ingredients for Savory Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

• Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh peppers that provide a spicy kick and serve as the base for the poppers.
• Bacon Slices: Crispy meat that wraps around the stuffed peppers for added flavor and texture.
• Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling for the poppers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds extra flavor and melts beautifully inside the poppers.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Barbecue Sauce: Tangy condiment that provides a complementary dipping option for the poppers.

• Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks used to secure the bacon around the stuffed peppers.
• Aluminum Foil: Protective lining for the baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup.

Assembling and Baking Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking and crispy bacon.

Step 2: Prepare Jalapeno Peppers

Put on kitchen gloves.

Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise.

Remove seeds and white membranes carefully to reduce intense heat.

Keep gloves on to protect hands from pepper oils.

Step 3: Create Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well blended.

The mixture should be creamy and consistent.

Step 4: Stuff Jalapeno Halves

Carefully fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.

Use a spoon to ensure even distribution and smooth the top of the filling.

Step 5: Wrap With Bacon

Carefully wrap each cheese-filled jalapeno half with a bacon slice.

Secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent unwrapping during baking.

Step 6: Bake Poppers

Place bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on the wire rack.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon turns crispy and golden brown and jalapenos become tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove poppers from oven.

Let cool for a few minutes.

Serve with barbecue sauce for dipping and additional flavor excitement.

Tips for the Crispiest Jalapeno Poppers

• Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation and burning sensations.
• Remove all seeds and white membranes for milder poppers, or keep some for extra heat lovers.
• Use thin bacon slices and place poppers on a wire rack to ensure even cooking and maximum crunchiness.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending and easier filling of jalapeno halves.
• Prepare poppers in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient party appetizers.

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Poppers: Replace bacon with thin strips of zucchini or eggplant, and use plant-based cream cheese for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap out cream cheese for a mixture of goat cheese and Greek yogurt, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Spice-Lovers Edition: Add diced habanero peppers or a dash of cayenne to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and replace toothpicks with rosemary sprigs for a natural, aromatic holder.

Serving Ideas for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange poppers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or spicy aioli for guests to enjoy.
• Appetizer Extravaganza: Serve these poppers as a crowd-pleasing starter at game day gatherings, movie nights, or backyard barbecues with cold beer or cocktails.
• Game Night Champion: Pair with crisp vegetable sticks and blue cheese dressing to balance the rich, spicy flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the hot poppers.
• Tailgate Touchdown: Pack these in a portable container for outdoor events, keeping them warm in a heat-safe carrier to maintain their crispy bacon and melted cheese goodness.

Storing Leftover Jalapeno Poppers for Next Time

• Store cooled poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual poppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 1 month.
• Preheat to 375°F, spread poppers on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring bacon crisps and filling heats evenly.

FAQs

• How spicy are these jalapeno poppers?

The spiciness depends on the jalapenos. Removing seeds and membranes significantly reduces heat, making them milder. If you want less spice, choose younger, lighter green peppers.

• Can I prepare these poppers in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the poppers ahead of time and refrigerate them uncooked. When ready to serve, simply bake them as directed. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• What type of bacon works best?

Thin or medium-cut bacon is ideal. Thick-cut bacon might not crisp up as well and could take longer to cook. Regular-cut bacon ensures perfect crispiness and even cooking.

What Makes Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers So Addictive

• Spice Up Your Appetizer Game: These poppers bring explosive flavor with a perfect balance of creamy cheese and crispy bacon that transforms ordinary ingredients into an incredible bite-sized snack.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, allowing even beginners to create restaurant-quality appetizers with ease.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Guaranteed to be a hit at game day gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, these poppers offer irresistible heat and savory goodness that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Customizable Heat Level: By removing seeds and membranes, you can control the spiciness, making these poppers adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.

Savory Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sizzling bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers bring spicy, creamy comfort to game day snacking. Crispy edges and bold flavors promise a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
• 12 slices bacon
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Serving Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) barbecue sauce
• Toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400°F and arrange a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet for optimal cooking and easy cleanup.
2. Protect hands with gloves while carefully slicing jalapenos in half lengthwise, meticulously removing all seeds and inner membranes to control spice level.
3. Create a creamy filling by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar, complemented by garlic and onion powders until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Generously stuff each jalapeno half with the seasoned cheese mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Carefully wrap each cheese-filled pepper with a full bacon slice, securing tightly with a toothpick to maintain structural integrity during baking.
6. Strategically position wrapped poppers on the prepared wire rack, allowing bacon to crisp evenly and excess fat to drip away.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, monitoring until bacon reaches a deep golden crispness and peppers become tender and slightly charred.
8. Remove from oven, let cool briefly, then serve immediately alongside tangy barbecue sauce for a delectable dipping experience.

Notes

• Protect your hands by wearing gloves when handling spicy jalapenos to prevent skin irritation or accidental eye-touching.
• Create a cleaner cooking surface by using a wire rack over the baking sheet, allowing excess bacon grease to drip away and ensuring crispy, evenly cooked poppers.
• Adjust spice levels by removing all or some seeds and membranes from jalapenos, or choose milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano for sensitive palates.
• Make this appetizer keto-friendly by using full-fat cream cheese and selecting sugar-free bacon without added preservatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 186 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg