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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese

crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers combine spicy jalapeños with a creamy cheese filling and smoky bacon for a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium fresh jalapeños
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: finely chopped green onions or chives
  • Optional: pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  2. Wearing gloves, cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes according to your spice preference.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture using a small spoon, making a generous mound without overfilling.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one slice of bacon (cut in half if long), spiraling from one end to the other. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place the wrapped jalapeños seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Check after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  8. Let the poppers cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Use thin-cut bacon for better crispiness. You can rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking. For extra crisp, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, cream cheese, appetizer, party snack, spicy, easy recipe