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Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, featuring smoky bacon, creamy cheese filling, and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium jalapeño peppers (about 5.3 oz), halved and seeded
  • 12 slices regular-cut bacon (about 12 oz)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled cooked sausage or chorizo
  • Optional: A few dashes hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash jalapeños, slice in half lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to pepper oils.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, mounding slightly.
  5. Wrap each filled jalapeño with a slice of bacon (cut in half crosswise if desired), spiraling around and placing seam side down on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is golden and crispy and cheese is bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Let poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Arrange on a platter and serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños or substitute mini sweet peppers. Bake on a wire rack for maximum crispiness. Prep ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking. Air fryer and grill methods work well for extra crunch. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Let poppers cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese.

Nutrition

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