Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are a fun and tasty treat! These spicy bites are filled with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon—what’s not to love?
They make a perfect snack for parties or game nights. I always enjoy watching friends’ reactions when they bite into that cheesy goodness. Who can resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños are key to this recipe. If you’re looking for less heat, try using banana peppers instead. For more spice, serrano peppers are a great option!
Cream Cheese: This gives the poppers a creamy texture. If you’re vegan, look for plant-based cream cheese or cashew cream as a substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds flavor. You can swap it out for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bacon: Traditional pork bacon is delicious but consider turkey bacon for a healthier alternative. Veggie bacon can also work, but it may not get as crispy.
How Can I Get the Bacon Crispy?
Getting the bacon crispy around the jalapeño poppers is key for that perfect bite! Here’s my best advice:
- Choose thinner-cut bacon for quicker cooking and extra crispiness.
- Position the poppers on a baking rack if possible; this allows hot air to circulate all around.
- Check on them halfway through cooking. If the bacon is getting too dark, you can cover the poppers with foil to slow the browning without sacrificing crunch.
- Let the poppers sit briefly after baking; they’ll firm up as they cool slightly.
With these tips, you’ll have bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers that are the perfect blend of crispy and creamy! Enjoy making them for your next gathering!
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices bacon, halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of approximately 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to make sure the bacon gets nice and crispy while the cheese gets melty!
2. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Wash the jalapeños under running water. Cut each one in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon. Be cautious—this is where the heat is stored! If you want your poppers milder, remove more membranes, or if you want them spicy, leave some in.
3. Mix Up the Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well-blended and creamy.
4. Fill the Jalapeños:
Now it’s time to fill each jalapeño half with your cheesy mixture. Use a spoon to pack the filling in well so that it doesn’t spill out while baking.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, securing it with a toothpick if needed. The bacon adds so much flavor and crunch!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Make sure they are spaced out a bit so they cook evenly.
7. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want the bacon to be crispy and the cheese to be bubbling.
8. Cool and Garnish:
When they’re done, carefully remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a little bit! You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you’d like.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers warm and enjoy the delicious flavor! They’re the perfect appetizer for any event or just a fun snack at home!
These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are crispy, creamy, and packed with just the right amount of spicy kick! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for more heat, or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just make sure your cheese is creamy enough to blend well with the cream cheese!
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Great idea! You can prepare the jalapeño poppers up to a day in advance. Simply assemble them, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the poppers in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer times may vary!