Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
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.
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Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
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.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Tips & Tricks
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid transferring the spicy oils to your skin.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite, but keep an eye on it as it may take slightly longer to crisp.
- If you're short on time, you can prepare the filling and stuff the jalapeños the day before. Just wrap them in bacon and bake when ready to serve.
- For a sweeter twist, try sprinkling a little brown sugar on the bacon before baking.
Serving Ideas for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these less spicy?
- Yes, removing all the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat significantly. You can also use milder peppers like mini bell peppers.
- Can I use turkey bacon?
- Absolutely! Just be aware that turkey bacon may not crisp up quite as much as regular bacon, so you might need to broil them for a minute or two at the end.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe Walkthrough
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.
Why This Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Works
- Quick to prepare and always a hit at gatherings.
- A perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors.
- Can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Customizable for different spice levels.
Ingredients
- 10 jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 20 slices of bacon
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- 3. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined.
- 4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- 5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
- 6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
- 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
- 8. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.