These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a winning snack! Spicy jalapeños are stuffed with creamy cheese and then wrapped in crispy bacon. Yum!
These little bites are always a hit at parties. I mean, bacon makes everything better, right? 🥓 Plus, they’re super fun to share and watch everyone enjoy them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are crucial for that spicy kick. If you’re looking for less heat, try using banana peppers or mini sweet peppers. You can even go with mild peppers if you want.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides a creamy texture. Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can work as lighter alternatives, but cream cheese is my favorite for that signature richness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you prefer milder cheese, Monterey Jack or even a Mexican blend can substitute well. Fresh mozzarella could also be a fun twist!
Bacon: Regular bacon is standard, but turkey bacon is a healthier alternative. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon; it intensifies the dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Bacon is Crispy?
Getting your bacon crispy around the jalapeños is key! Fortunately, there are a few tricks to make this happen:
- Use thicker cut bacon, as it tends to crisp up better and adds more flavor.
- Ensure that the bacon is wrapped tightly around the jalapeños. This helps it cook evenly.
- Placing the bacon seam side down on the baking sheet also aids in keeping it in place and allows it to crisp up fully.
Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning, and let the poppers sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the cheese and makes them easier to handle!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks (optional, to secure bacon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 35-40 minutes of total time from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later on. This will also help with browning the bacon.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Be careful! Use gloves if you can, as the oils from the peppers can irritate your skin. Gently scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat level. If you love spice, you can leave some seeds in for an extra kick!
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and well-blended. This cheesy mixture is going to be the star of the show!
4. Stuff the Jalapeños:
Spoon the cheesy mixture generously into each half of the jalapeño. Don’t hold back—get that filling in there! The more, the merrier.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it securely around each stuffed jalapeño half, starting at one end and spiraling down to the bottom. If you’d like, use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, but it’s not always necessary.
6. Bake!
Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet with the bacon seam side down. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the poppers cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle. Then, serve them up and watch everyone enjoy these delicious, spicy bacon-wrapped treats!
Enjoy these spicy, creamy, and smoky poppers as a perfect appetizer or snack! They’re sure to be a crowd pleaser! 🌶️🥓
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or even goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Just ensure they melt well!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder poppers, you can remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For an extra spicy kick, try using serrano peppers instead or leaving some seeds in the jalapeños.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the jalapeño poppers and wrap them in bacon up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing them in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the bacon crispy!