Looking for a spicy, savory appetizer that will disappear faster than you can say "jalapeno"? These Bacon-Wrapped Pepper Delights are your answer. Perfectly combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, smoky finish, they’re sure to be the star of any gathering.
The star of the show is the jalapeno peppers. They bring a mild heat that’s complemented by the creamy filling. Speaking of which, cream cheese provides a smooth base for our stuffing, while shredded cheddar cheese adds sharpness and depth. The bacon not only wraps everything together but also delivers that irresistible crispiness and smoky flavor. To enhance the filling, we add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
These Bacon-Wrapped Pepper Delights are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They pair well with cold beer or a crisp, refreshing white wine, making them a great addition to your party spread.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Next, grab your jalapenos and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or a knife to scoop out the seeds and membranes — this is where most of the heat is, so adjust according to your spice preference.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and mix until everything is well incorporated. This will be your delicious, cheesy filling.
Now, take each jalapeno half and fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Don’t skimp; you want every bite to be creamy and flavorful. Next, wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a slice of bacon. Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you might need to secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place.
Arrange your bacon-wrapped jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a little space in between for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving — if you can wait that long!
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