Crispy, spicy, and oh-so-flavorful — these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip are the ultimate appetizer to bring people together. Packed with a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, this crowd-pleasing dish will have your guests reaching for more. Elevate your next gathering with this easy-to-make, chef-tested recipe that’s sure to wow.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip
These poppers are the perfect balance of comfort, zest, and indulgence. Smoky bacon wraps around a juicy jalapeño stuffed with a creamy, melty filling — it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. The cool, velvety dip provides a lush counterpoint to the crispy, spicy popper. This easy-to-make appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a cozy snack. Plus, the vibrant, festive presentation will have your guests oohing and aahing. Get ready to wow with these epic, craveable bites that are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers:
- 12 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp. fresh chives, chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper
For the Creamy Dip:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: You can swap out the cheddar cheese for other melty varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead. If you prefer a milder flavor, try using goat cheese or ricotta in the filling.
- Sour Cream and Mayo: For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dip.
How to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes, leaving the stems intact. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes, leaving the stems intact. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Generously stuff the jalapeño halves with the creamy cheese mixture, packing it in tightly. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeños for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
While the poppers are baking, prepare the creamy dip. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, leave some of the jalapeño seeds and membranes intact. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for an extra zesty filling.
- Lighten it up: For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dip.
- Bite-sized Poppers: To make these poppers in bite-sized portions, use smaller jalapeños and cut the bacon slices in half.
- Make-Ahead: You can stuff the jalapeños and wrap them in bacon up to a day ahead, then bake them just before serving. The dip can also be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to serve.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: the cool, creamy dip for dipping.
Storage: Any leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dip can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Reheat the poppers in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Make-Ahead: These poppers make a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for parties and gatherings. Assemble the stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeños up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip provides a satisfying balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The poppers themselves are a good source of protein from the cream cheese and bacon, while the jalapeños add a boost of vitamin C. The creamy dip offers a cool, velvety accompaniment that complements the poppers perfectly. Enjoy this indulgent appetizer in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers with 2 tbsp. dip
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use jarred, pre-sliced jalapeños instead of fresh?
While you can use jarred jalapeños, the texture and flavor won’t be quite as vibrant as fresh. The pre-sliced jalapeños may also be softer and less crisp after baking. For the best results, we recommend using fresh jalapeños for this recipe.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To make the poppers milder, remove more of the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For a spicier kick, leave some of the seeds and membranes intact. You can also use a hotter variety of cheese, like pepper jack, in the filling.
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeños up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes them a great make-ahead appetizer for parties and gatherings. Just be sure to bake them right before serving for maximum crispiness.
What should I serve with the poppers?
These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers pair beautifully with the creamy dip, but they also go well with other dips and sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty chipotle mayo. You can also serve them alongside other appetizers like mini meatballs, deviled eggs, or a fresh veggie platter.
Can I make these poppers in the air fryer?
Absolutely! To make these in the air fryer, simply place the stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Try These Next
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Crispy Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bombs With Ranch Dip
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip With Tortilla Chips
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 poppers 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with creamy cheese and served with a tangy dip. Perfect for parties or game day!
Ingredients
8 large jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
16 slices of bacon
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
8. While the poppers are baking, mix sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl for the dip.
9. Serve the poppers hot with the creamy dip on the side.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Adjust the spiciness by leaving some jalapeño seeds in for a hotter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bacon, jalapeño, poppers, appetizer