Picture this: smoky, crispy bacon wrapped around a spicy jalapeño filled with creamy, cheesy goodness. These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect appetizer for game day, a fun party, or any casual gathering. They’re a flavor explosion you won't forget.
The star of the show, jalapeños, bring the heat and a fresh crunch that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. The cream cheese acts as a smooth and creamy base for the filling, helping to tame the heat a bit. Adding shredded cheddar cheese gives a sharp, tangy bite that melts beautifully. A touch of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth to the filling, while a sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors. And finally, bacon — because everything is better with bacon, right? It's wrapped around the poppers, providing a crispy, smoky contrast to the creamy interior. A sprinkle of chopped chives makes for a pretty garnish and adds a hint of mild onion flavor.
These poppers are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Pair them with a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside a cold beer to complement the heat and smokiness.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Now, grab your jalapeños. Slice each one in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you want to tone down the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined. This is your creamy filling, and it should be smooth and well-blended.
Next, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Be generous here — you want a nice dome of filling on each one. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much of the cheese as possible. If you're worried about the bacon unraveling, secure it with a toothpick.
Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on your prepared baking sheet, and pop them into the oven. Let them bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped chives if you like.
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