Elevate your appetizer game with these Loaded Bacon Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip! Perfectly balanced between smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of heat, these poppers are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have your guests begging for more. Get ready to experience flavor fireworks in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bacon Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip
Bacon and jalapeño are a match made in flavor heaven, and these loaded poppers take that classic combination to new heights. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a creamy, zesty filling that’s bursting with savory, smoky goodness. Dunk them in the cool and tangy creamy dip for a flavor explosion in every bite. These poppers are the perfect blend of comfort, indulgence, and craveable taste, making them the ultimate appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
A handful of simple ingredients come together to create these flavor-packed poppers. You’ll need fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a few pantry staples. The creamy dip features sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of herbs and spices to complement the bold flavors of the poppers.
- 8-10 jalapeños – seeded and halved lengthwise
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicier filling.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter option.
How to Make Loaded Bacon Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip
Get ready to create an appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon, then spoon the mixture into the jalapeño halves.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. While the poppers are in the oven, make the creamy dip by mixing together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the poppers are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve the loaded bacon jalapeño poppers warm, with the creamy dip on the side for dipping and dunking.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Brush the tops of the poppers with a bit of barbecue sauce or honey before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle on some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Presentation Flair: Arrange the poppers on a platter with the creamy dip in the center for a crowd-pleasing display.
- Spice Adjustment: For a milder heat, use fewer jalapeños or remove more of the seeds and membranes.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp vegetables like carrot and celery sticks, pita chips, or crackers.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the poppers in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the poppers ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Simply stuff the jalapeños, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Loaded Bacon Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Dip contains approximately 150 calories, 12 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. They’re a rich and satisfying treat, so be mindful of portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers with 2 tbsp dip
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the poppers ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Simply stuff the jalapeños, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make the poppers milder, use fewer jalapeños or remove more of the seeds and membranes. For a spicier kick, leave in some of the jalapeño seeds or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
How do I prevent the poppers from falling apart?
Make sure to let the poppers cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set. Handling them gently when transferring from the baking sheet to the serving platter will also help prevent them from falling apart.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely make these poppers in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the stuffed jalapeños in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Try These Next
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- crispy bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with creamy dip
- savory bacon wrapped jalapeno bites with creamy dip
Loaded Bacon 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
These Loaded Bacon Jalapeño Poppers are a deliciously spicy appetizer packed with cream cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with cheese. Perfect for parties or game day!
Ingredients
8 large jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Spoon the mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the tops are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving with your favorite dip.
Notes
For extra heat, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños.
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicier kick.
These can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, appetizers, snacks, party food