Prepare to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with these Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites! These epic appetizers are a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and irresistibly crunchy. Serve them up at your next party, and watch them disappear in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites
These Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. The jalapeños lend a zesty, lively kick, while the creamy, melty cheese filling provides a comforting, indulgent contrast. Wrapping it all in crispy, golden-brown bacon takes these bites to the next level of craveable deliciousness. They’re a perfect blend of cozy, comforting flavors and satisfying textures that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
This simple recipe calls for just a few key ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor experience. You’ll need fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and thick-cut bacon. The combination of the spicy peppers, creamy cheeses, and smoky bacon is truly irresistible.
- 6-8 jalapeños – sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, halved
- Toothpicks
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Pepper jack or gouda would also work beautifully in these Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites.
- Bacon: Try using flavored or smoked bacon to add even more flavor.
How to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites
The key to these delectable bites is the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes to control the level of spice. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until well blended. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Scoop a generous amount of the cheesy filling into each jalapeño half, pressing it in gently to fill the cavity. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crescent Roll Dough: For an even more indulgent version, try wrapping the stuffed jalapeños in crescent roll dough before adding the bacon. This creates a delicious, flaky pastry shell around the creamy, spicy filling.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta.
- Spice It Up: If you want to kick up the heat, feel free to use pepper jack cheese or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Air Fryer Option: The air fryer is a great way to achieve that irresistible crispy bacon without the hassle of baking. Simply arrange the stuffed and wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites make a fantastic appetizer or snack for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a flavor-packed bite.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap the jalapeños in the bacon right before cooking for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites are a delicious indulgence, but they do pack a nutritional punch. Each bite is loaded with protein from the cream cheese and bacon, as well as fiber and vitamins from the jalapeños. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the rich, creamy filling and crispy bacon can make it easy to overindulge.
- Serving Size: 1 Popper Bite
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap the jalapeños in the bacon right before cooking for maximum crispiness.
How spicy are these bites?
The level of spice can vary depending on the jalapeños you use and how much of the seeds and membranes you remove. If you want a milder version, be sure to thoroughly deseed the jalapeños. For a bolder kick, leave some of the seeds and membranes intact.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While the combination of cream cheese and cheddar is delicious, you can easily swap in other melty cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when the bacon is crispy enough?
The bacon should be golden-brown and crispy to the touch when the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites are done. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, as the bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a great way to achieve that irresistible crispy bacon without the hassle of baking. Simply arrange the stuffed and wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip With Tortilla Chips
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. These spicy and cheesy bites are wrapped in crispy bacon, making them irresistible for guests of all ages.
Ingredients
8 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
16 slices of bacon
Optional: ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
3. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. 5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
6. 6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
8. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or jalapeño slices to the cheese mixture.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an added kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon, appetizer, party food