Description
Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender jalapeños come together in this irresistible appetizer! These easy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are perfect for game day, parties, potlucks, BBQs, and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 medium to large fresh jalapeños – Choose peppers that are similar in size so they cook evenly and are easy to fill.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Creates the smooth, rich, and creamy filling.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Adds a stronger cheesy flavor and melts beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds savory aromatic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions – Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds mild seasoning and a subtle smoky note.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle peppery flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the other ingredients.
- 12 slices regular-cut bacon, cut in half – Wraps around the stuffed jalapeños and becomes crisp and smoky during baking.
Optional Additions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon for the filling
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
Regular-cut bacon works particularly well because thick-cut bacon can take longer to crisp while the jalapeños and filling cook.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Wash and dry the jalapeños.
- Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise.
- Remove the seeds and white membranes to control the heat level.
- Mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Fill each jalapeño half with approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
- Cut the bacon slices in half.
- Wrap one bacon half around each stuffed jalapeño.
- Place each popper seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the assembled poppers for 20–30 minutes, if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp and the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes if additional browning is desired, watching closely.
- Remove from the oven and let the poppers rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chives or green onions if desired.
- Serve warm with ranch, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Remove the seeds and membranes completely for milder poppers.
- Use regular-cut bacon for easier and more even crisping.
- Let the poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 145 calories
