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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and baked to perfection, making a perfect appetizer for parties or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (about 110g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes to reduce heat if desired.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop.
  5. Wrap each filled jalapeño half tightly with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  6. Arrange the poppers bacon-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through, until bacon is golden and crispy and cheese is bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon for best results. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Flip poppers halfway through baking for even crispiness. Let poppers rest 5 minutes after baking to set filling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freeze unbaked poppers on a tray, then store in freezer bag for later baking.

Nutrition

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