Description
Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers with a creamy, spicy cream cheese and cheddar filling. Perfect for quick snacks, parties, or game day with crispy caramelized edges.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 medium fresh jalapeños
- 8 ounces (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes to control heat. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped chives or green onions. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture, mounding slightly above the edges.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one bacon strip, securing the end underneath.
- Place wrapped poppers seam side down on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. If no wire rack, place directly on foil-lined sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then use tongs to flip each popper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
Dry jalapeños well before stuffing to ensure crispy bacon edges. Use a wire rack for even crisping or flip halfway if not available. Watch baking time closely to avoid burning. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bacon. Can prep and stuff ahead, then bake fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, jalapeno poppers, bacon appetizers, spicy snacks, party food, game day snacks