Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate appetizer that will have your guests reaching for more. Packed with a creamy, melty cheese filling and wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, these poppers are a perfect balance of heat, savory, and indulgence. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cheese
These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect blend of comfort, craveable flavors, and easy-to-make satisfaction. The combination of zesty jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates a truly indulgent and satisfying appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, the hands-on preparation process is a fun way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a game-day snack, or just craving a cozy, flavorful treat, these poppers are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe features a short list of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly craveable appetizer. You’ll need fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and thick-cut bacon. The creamy, melty filling and the smoky, crispy bacon work in perfect harmony to deliver an epic flavor experience in every bite.
- 6-8 jalapeños – fresh, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 4 oz cream cheese – softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8-10 slices thick-cut bacon – halved crosswise
- Toothpicks
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can use milder bell peppers in place of the jalapeños.
- Cheese: For the cheese, you can experiment with different varieties, such as pepper jack or gouda, to suit your personal preferences.
How to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cheese
Get ready to create a flavor-packed appetizer that’s sure to wow your guests!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes to control the level of heat. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended and creamy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spoon the cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves, filling them to the top. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped poppers on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the poppers for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra-crispy finish, you can broil the poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Twist: Brush the poppers with a light coating of barbecue sauce or maple syrup before baking for a delightful smoky flavor.
- Creamy Filling: For a creamier filling, consider adding a touch of sour cream or mayonnaise to the cheese mixture.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, or try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or blue cheese.
- Leaner Option: Use turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon for a lighter take on this indulgent appetizer.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing snack.
Storage: Any leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To restore their crispy texture, reheat the poppers in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the poppers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap the jalapeños in the bacon right before cooking for the crispiest texture.
Nutrition Information
These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a comforting and indulgent treat, but they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the cream cheese and bacon, as well as a dose of beneficial vitamins and minerals from the jalapeños. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the combination of cheese and bacon can make them a rich and satisfying snack.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the poppers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap the jalapeños in the bacon right before cooking for the crispiest texture.
How can I make these poppers less spicy?
To tame the heat, you can use milder bell peppers instead of jalapeños. You can also remove more of the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before stuffing them.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the classic cheddar and cream cheese combination is delicious, you can get creative with other melty cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
The poppers are ready when the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely make these poppers in an air fryer. Adjust the cooking time as needed, checking for crispy bacon and melted cheese.
Try These Next
- bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with smoky cheese dip
- crispy bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with creamy dip
- savory bacon wrapped jalapeno bites with creamy dip
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 poppers 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are filled with creamy cheese and spices, making them the perfect appetizer for any gathering!
Ingredients
6 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
16 slices of bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add chopped herbs or spices to the cheese mixture. Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon, appetizers