Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a delightful combination of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors. Whether hosting a game day party, a casual gathering, or simply looking for a tasty snack, this appetizer is the perfect choice.
If you’re looking for simple and delicious appetizer recipes that use just a few ingredients and require minimal effort, these jalapeno poppers with bacon are just that. A timeless appetizer, these fiery treats combine the spicy heat of jalapeños with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering..
What’s your favorite party appetizer? I would have to say Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are right up there as a favorite of mine just like these Everything Bagel Seasoning Mini Pigs in a Blanket are. Just like our Loaded Tater Tot Skewers and Best Guacamole Recipe, these spicy bacon poppers are a huge hit when I make them. They are great to enjoy any time of the year but are more popular during the holidays, game days, and even summer BBQs.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
The cheesy poppers are a cinch to make. Using fresh jalapeno peppers that are about the same size will ensure they will bake in the same amount of time. I like to leave the stem on them so there’s a “little handle” to pick the popper up with.
The secret to the ultimate jalapeno popper lies in the balance of flavors. The creamy cheesy filling is a comforting contrast to the heat of the pepper. While the bacon adds a layer of crunch and a smokiness. All together, this makes for a tasty snack to enjoy.
These are delicious on their own but if you want to add even more flavor, enjoy them with a favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or salsa. You could even serve them alongside some Air Fryer Boneless Wings.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
- To ensure even cooking time, use peppers of the same size.
- Try using different peppers in this recipe. Habeneros, sweet mini bell peppers, chili peppers, or choose your favorite.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese for pepper jack, Monterey jack, white cheddar, or your favorite blend.
- Secure the bacon to the peppers with toothpicks before baking. They can be removed after.
- To give the peppers a little handle using the stems: slice right through the stem as you cut the them in half lengthwise.
- Leaving some or all of the seeds in the peppers for a spicier bite.
- You can bake, air fry, or grill the bacon bombs.
- Don’t overfill or the cheese will ooze out all over the place as they bake.
- Thin-cut bacon is best as it will crisp and cook faster than thickly sliced.
- Let them cool a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Vegetarian option: omit the bacon.
- This recipe is keto-friendly and low-carb.
- Skip the bacon and add cooked crumbled sausage to the cheese mixture.
Can You Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes. Make them as far as 8 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to bake, proceed with the directions in the recipe.
Can You Freeze Uncooked Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers?
Yes, you can prepare the peppers and freeze them. Prepared hot pepper poppers as directed in the recipe and then place them on a large cookie sheet. Place pan in the freezer uncovered for 1-2 hours. When frozen place them in a labeled zip lock bag. Freeze up to 1 month.
When ready to bake the frozen poppers, you will preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. There is no need to thaw them.
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How Long to Cook Jalapeno Poppers in the Oven?
This recipe will take 20 – 25 minutes a 375-degree oven to cook. You will want to check on them sooner if your oven tends to cook faster. Be sure the bacon is crispy and done.
You can also make the stuffed hot peppers in an air fryer. To do so, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees and then place the prepared peppers in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 – 12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and done.
Adding these fiery bites to your Charcuterie Boards can elevate the flavor profile and add a spicy kick. Easy Halloween Jalapeno Popper Mummies would be great to make for the spooky holiday.
Why do you need to secure the bacon with a toothpick?
By nature, bacon shrinks when cooked, so using a toothpick will secure the bacon around the pepper as it bakes. Just remove them before serving, or leave them as an easy way to pick up the peppers.
Pro Tip: Jalapeños or any hot peppers can cause skin irritation. Always wear kitchen gloves when handling them and avoid touching your face or eyes. This will prevent accidental burns and discomfort. Also, be sure to wash your hands really well when done.
Tools Needed to Make Jalapeno Poppers
There is no special equipment needed for this recipe, however; I have linked to a few of my favorite items that I use.
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- medium bowl
- cheese grater
- baking sheet
- parchment paper or a silicon baking mat
- toothpicks
Ingredients
Full amounts for the ingredients are in the recipe card below. These are common items that you can easily find in your grocery store.
- jalapeño peppers
- cream cheese
- cheddar cheese, shredded
- garlic powder
- salt and black pepper
- bacon
- fresh parsley (optional)
This is a classic party appetizer that may require you to make a double batch as they will go fast!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Pre-heat oven to 375°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Set aside. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise, remove all seeds and membranes (or leave some seeds for a spicier bite). Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Fill each pepper half with some of the cream cheese mixture.
Slice each strip of bacon in half. Use one-half slice of bacon to wrap around each pepper half. Secure bacon with a toothpick and set on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the pre-heated oven and bake until the cheese mixture is golden-brown and bubbly, and the bacon is cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the poppers to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and let the them cool a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
This is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. These bad boys are sure to impress your friends and family with their spicy kick and creamy filling.
Enjoy More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Planning a get-together or a fun movie night? You’ll need a variety of appetizers to serve. Give some of these a try.
- Maple Candied Bacon
- Deviled Potatoes
- Easy Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
- Pizza Pigs In A Blanket
- Hot Baked Taco Dip Recipe
When serving your appetizers, present them on a beautiful platter or charcuterie board. This will create a visually appealing display that your guests will love and enjoy eating from.
Print this easy spicy cheesy popper recipe and get ready for your next party! It doesn’t get much better than most loved appetizer!
Printable Recipe Card
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
- sharp knife
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 12 medium whole jalapeno peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 slices uncooked bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
- Fill each jalapeño half with some of the cheese mixture and wrap with one-half slice bacon. Secure bacon with a toothpick and set on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the pre-heated oven and bake until the cheese mixture is golden-brown and bubbly, and the bacon is cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking time, use peppers of the same size.
- Try using different peppers in this recipe. Habeneros, sweet mini bell peppers, chili peppers, or choose your favorite.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese for pepper jack, Monterey jack, white cheddar, or your favorite blend.
- Secure the bacon to the pepper with toothpicks before baking. They can be removed after.
- To give the peppers a little handle using the stems: slice right through the stem as you cut them in half lengthwise.
- Leaving some or all of the seeds in the peppers for a spicier bite.
- You can bake, air fry, or grill the hot peppers.
- Don’t overfill or the cheese will ooze out all over the place as they bake.
- Thin-cut bacon is best as it will crisp and cook faster than thickly sliced.
- Let them cool a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Vegetarian option: omit the bacon.
- This recipe is keto-friendly and low-carb.
- Skip the bacon and add cooked crumbled sausage to the cheese mixture.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Enjoy!
You can make them ahead and then bake them? I’m down for that.
I love the cream cheese in your recipe. It sounds like a perfect appetizer!
I didn’t think poppers could get any better but you did it!
Jalapeno poppers are always fun and these are absolutely delicious ones!