Hey y'all! If you're searching for the perfect party appetizer that absolutely everyone will love, look no further than these Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon. They're spicy, creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon for an irresistible combo that's always the first to disappear at gatherings. Whether it's game night, a backyard BBQ, or just a fun family snack, these poppers are guaranteed to be a hit. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon Recipe
- Easy to make and ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Creamy, cheesy filling perfectly balances spicy jalapenos.
- Crunchy, golden bacon adds major flavor and irresistible texture.
- Great make-ahead appetizer for parties and gatherings.
- Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses or toppings.
Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon Ingredients
- 10 large fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 slices bacon, halved
- 2 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Jalapenos
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves, if possible, to protect your skin.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapenos
- Fill each jalapeno half with the cheesy mixture, smoothing the tops with a spoon.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Step 5: Bake the Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped poppers, cheese-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender.
- For extra-crispy bacon, broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes—keep an eye out to prevent burning!
Notes for Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin or eye irritation (Learn safe pepper handling).
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist!
- Want crispier bacon? Bake poppers on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to let fat drain.
Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon Variations
- Spicy Ranch: Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix to the cheese filling.
- Veggie Stuffed: Mix in some finely diced red bell pepper or corn to the cheese before stuffing.
- Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving for a sweet contrast.
Required Equipment for Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Mixing bowl & spoon
- Knife & spoon for prepping peppers
- Gloves (optional, highly recommended)
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftover Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Freezing is possible, but the texture may change; see this guide to freezing jalapeno poppers for details.
What to Serve with Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
- Pair with cool dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Serve alongside burgers, sliders, or grilled chicken for a hearty spread.
- Great addition to party platters with chips, salsa, and guacamole.
Pro Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
- Use thick-cut bacon for bacon lovers, but thin-sliced crisps up faster (read more about the best bacon choices).
- Don’t overstuff the jalapenos—too much filling can ooze out while baking.
- Let poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving to avoid burns and let flavors meld.
Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon FAQ
- Can I make Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Stuff and wrap the jalapenos, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Are Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon very spicy?
- Not too spicy if you remove all seeds and membranes; leave some in for a serious kick!
- Can I grill these instead of baking?
- Yes! Grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally until bacon is crisp.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Slice the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon. Wear gloves for safety.
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3In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, green onions, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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4Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture and smooth the top.
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5Wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
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6Arrange the prepared poppers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and filling is bubbly. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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