Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers – The Ultimate Appetizer
Game day just isn’t complete without something sizzling, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon. Enter these irresistible bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers—the bold, flavor-packed appetizer that disappears faster than the kickoff snacks. Fresh jalapeños are filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture, then snugly wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until perfectly crisp. The result? A spicy, creamy, crunchy bite that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Fans of all things bacon wrapped already know the magic—whether it’s bacon wrapped smokies, bacon wrapped chicken, bacon wrapped shrimp, or even sweet-and-savory bacon wrapped dates. From elegant bacon wrapped asparagus to hearty bacon wrapped pork tenderloin and comforting bacon wrapped meatloaf, bacon simply makes everything better. You’ll even find party classics like bacon wrapped water chestnuts recipe making the rounds at holiday gatherings.
Still, nothing quite matches the bold kick of these stuffed jalapeños. They’re easy to prep ahead, bake beautifully in the oven or air fryer, and fit right in at tailgates, potlucks, and backyard parties. Crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy inside—these poppers bring big flavor with minimal effort. One tray is never enough, so consider yourself warned!
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers – The Ultimate Appetizer
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapeños, sliced in half lengthwise with seeds removed
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 bacon strips, cut in half
- Optional: 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cooked sausage, crumbled
- Optional: small pinch of cayenne for added heat
- Optional: toothpicks (soaked in water to prevent burning)
Directions
- Heat your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or foil. For crispier results, set a wire rack over the tray.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy and evenly blended.
- Fold in the green onions, sausage, and cayenne pepper if you’re including them. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Spoon the cheese filling into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly but keeping it from spilling over the edges.
- Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed pepper. Secure with a toothpick if it feels loose.
- Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp and the filling is hot and bubbling.
- For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Allow the poppers to cool briefly before serving. Enjoy with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- To mellow the spice level, soak the seeded jalapeños in cold water for about 20 minutes before stuffing.
- Swap in pepper jack cheese if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- Air fryer method: cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- These can be assembled up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake.
Post a Comment for "Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers – The Ultimate Appetizer"