Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers then wrapped with bacon and baked until crispy. Whip up a batch for your next party or game day event.

What’s your favorite party appetizer? These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are right up there as a favorite just like these everything bagel mini pigs in a blanket are. It’s almost New Year’s Eve and both of these delicious appetizers will be on our party foods menu.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are easy to make and you make them ahead of time to store in the refrigerator or for longer term, in the freezer.

I love that these poppers are baked and not fried – less mess to deal with and a bit healthier, too. You can even use the air fryer! Make a batch for New Year’s Eve festivities and then make them again for game day eating.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

As I mentioned, these jalapeno poppers are a cinch to make. Using fresh jalapeno peppers that are all about the same size will ensure the poppers will all 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. To do this, you will slice right through the stem as you cut the peppers in half lengthwise. Leaving some or all of the seeds in the peppers for a spicier bite, if desired.

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.

Can jalapeno poppers be made ahead of time?

Yes. Make them as far as 8 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. They can also be prepared and frozen. Place prepared bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a large cookie sheet and place in the freezer uncovered for 1-2 hours. When frozen place them in labeled zip lock bag.

What other cheeses can you stuff the peppers with?

In place of the cheddar cheese, you can use Pepper Jack or even Monterey Jack. Whatever your favorite cheese is, you won’t go wrong using it.

Ingredients

• jalapeño peppers
• cream cheese
• cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• garlic powder
• salt and black pepper
• bacon
• fresh parsley (optional)
• toothpicks

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Step 1

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 fresh jalapenos in half lengthwise, remove all seeds and membranes (or leave some seeds for a spicier bite). Set aside.

Step 2

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.  

Step 3

Fill each jalapeño pepper half with some of the cream cheese mixture and wrap with one-half slice bacon. Secure bacon with a toothpick and set on the prepared baking sheet. 

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the poppers to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and let the poppers cool a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.  .

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

• Can jalapeno poppers be made ahead of time? Yes. Make them as far as 8 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. They can also be prepared and frozen.
• What other cheeses can you stuff the peppers with? In place of the cheddar cheese, you can use Pepper Jack or even Monterey Jack. Use your favorite cheese.
• You can bake, air fry, or grill the jalapeno poppers.
• Don’t overfill or the cheese will ooze out all over the place as the poppers bake.
• Thin cut bacon is best as it will crisp and cook faster than thick sliced.
• Let the poppers cool a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set. 
• Vegetarian option: omit the bacon.
• May want to double the batch, they go fast!
• Jalapeno poppers are keto-friendly
• Skip the bacon and add in cooked crumbled sausage to the cheese mixture.

Want more recipes to prep for New Year’s Eve or any foodie gathering? Check out the recipes from #OurFamilyTable.

Prepping for New Years Parties

• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers from Blogghetti
• Champagne Jello Shots from Fresh April Flours
• Confetti Champagne Cocktail from Our Good Life
• Deviled Potatoes from The Spiffy Cookie
• Grilled Party Kabobs from The Freshman Cook
• Hanky Panky from Palatable Pastime
• Lil Smokies Recipe Pigs in a Blanket from Devour Dinner
• Mango Avocado Shrimp Cocktails from That Recipe
• Mini Cheeseballs from Jen Around the World
• Moonshine Margarita from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Pesto Crescent Spirals from Magical Ingredients
• Pizza Pigs In A Blanket from Making Miracles
• Sorbet Champagne Cocktail from Art of Natural Living

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