Craving a flavor-packed appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests? Look no further than these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites! Combining all the elements of classic jalapeño poppers into a bite-sized treat, this recipe is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and indulgent. Get ready to dive into a world of cozy comfort and bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites
These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Packed with a creamy, melty cheese filling, crispy bacon, and a kick of jalapeño, each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave your guests craving more. The best part? They’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them the perfect option for effortless entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a holiday party, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients that come together to create an irresistible flavor profile. You’ll need jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and wonton wrappers or phyllo dough cups to hold the filling. The combination of the spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon is truly a match made in heaven.
- 6 jalapeños – sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 24 wonton wrappers or 24 mini phyllo dough cups
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try using pepper jack or gouda cheese to complement the jalapeños.
- Bacon: Swap the bacon for turkey bacon or prosciutto for a different take on the flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites
Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these delectable Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the jalapeños by slicing them in half lengthwise, scooping out the seeds and membranes, and then slicing them into smaller pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, spoon the cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves, filling them to the top. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
If using wonton wrappers, place a heaping teaspoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each wrapper, then fold the wrapper over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal. Arrange the wonton bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the jalapeño poppers or wonton bites for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the wrappers are golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or a dusting of paprika for a beautiful presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: For a more indulgent twist, try wrapping the stuffed jalapeños in bacon before baking.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Lighter Version: Swap the cream cheese for a lighter version or use low-fat shredded cheese to make these bites a little lighter.
- Holiday Presentation: Serve these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites on a platter with holiday-themed toothpicks or skewers for a festive touch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp celery sticks, ranch dressing, or a zesty dipping sauce.
Storage: These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the bites back in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the bites just before baking.
Nutrition Information
These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites are a indulgent, flavor-packed appetizer, but they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 75 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the bites just before baking. Simply store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses, to find your perfect flavor combination.
How spicy are the jalapeños?
The level of spice can vary depending on the size and freshness of the jalapeños. For a milder version, you can use fewer jalapeños or remove more of the seeds and membranes.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
How long do these bites last?
The bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Try These Next
- Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Waffles
- Caramel Apple Bacon Waffles With Maple Drizzle
- Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole With Garlic Bread Topping
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites are a perfect appetizer for any party! Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they are packed with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 12 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
– Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. 3. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. 4. If desired, dip each stuffed jalapeño in breadcrumbs for added crunch.
6. 5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 6. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
8. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the tops are golden brown.
9. 8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
– These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
– Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked sausage or different types of cheese for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, appetizers, cheese, bacon