Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a fan favorite, combining smoky, crispy bacon with spicy, creamy, and cheesy jalapeños. This delightful appetizer brings together loads of flavor in each bite. Whether you’re preparing for a game day gathering or a cozy movie night with friends, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table—or the couch!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

I have fond memories of making these little delights for the first time at a friend’s barbecue. Watching everyone’s faces light up as they took a bite was priceless. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet requires minimal effort, which is why I keep coming back to it. Your guests will be clamoring for more of these savory bites while you enjoy being the star of the party!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Preparation takes just 20 minutes, while cooking time is only 45 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The crunch of bacon contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese filling, creating a heavenly bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Cute little pops wrapped in bacon make for a great centerpiece on any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or even as a fun snack at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for those who need gluten-free or dairy-free versions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 large jalapeños: These provide the perfect amount of spice and crunch. If you prefer milder flavors, you can opt for banana peppers instead.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese gives a rich, velvety filling that balances the spice of the jalapeño. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar enhances the flavor with a delightful umami kick. Feel free to use pepper jack for an extra spicy twist.
12 slices of bacon, cut in half: Bacon adds a savory crunch. You could substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version, but it won’t be quite as crispy.
1 tsp garlic powder: This brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the cheese filling.
1 tsp onion powder: Onion powder adds sweetness and complements the other flavors nicely.
Salt and pepper to taste: A must for enhancing the overall flavor of the poppers!

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the magic temperature that will crisp up the bacon without burning it.

Prepare the Jalapeños: Cut the 12 large jalapeños in half lengthwise. Make sure to remove the seeds and membranes if you want a milder flavor—this reduces the heat significantly. If you’re brave, leave a few seeds in for extra kick!

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and fully incorporated—don’t be shy with the mixing!

Fill the Jalapeños: Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Get creative here; make sure it’s heaping so each bite bursts with flavor!

Wrap with Bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each filled jalapeño. Secure it with a toothpick if necessary; it keeps everything together while it bakes. You want that bacon to stay put!

Bake: Arrange your wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells divine!

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, but expect the texture to change slightly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overfilling the jalapeños, as the cheese mixture may ooze out during baking.
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for a while; it makes mixing easier.
If you’re using thick-cut bacon, adjust the cooking time to ensure it gets crispy.
For some added flair, drizzle ranch or spicy sauce on top before serving.
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prep them a day in advance, then bake right before serving.

These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are not just an appetizer but an experience. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick snack while watching your favorite series or want to impress friends at your next gathering. I encourage you to experiment with different cheeses or spices to fit your personal preference!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these poppers less spicy?

If you’re looking to dial down the heat, you can choose milder jalapeños or opt for bell peppers. Removing the seeds and membranes will also make a significant difference.

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the jalapeños with cheese filling and bacon wrapping a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge and bake them when ready to serve.

What should I serve with Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?

These poppers pair wonderfully with dips like ranch, blue cheese, or even guacamole. The creamy dips balance the heat and make for a flavorful bite.

How do I know when they are done?

Your poppers are ready when the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. You’ll also catch a delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen!

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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a mouthwatering appetizer featuring creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and just the right amount of spice. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, this simple recipe is sure to impress anyone looking for homemade flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

12 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 slices of bacon, cut in half
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding diced green onions or jalapeño stems to the cheese mixture.
These poppers can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or sour cream.