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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese, offering a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and smoky flavors. A quick and easy appetizer ideal for parties and game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1012 medium fresh jalapeños, firm and bright green
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1012 thin center-cut bacon slices
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes to reduce heat if desired.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Fold in cheddar or cilantro if using.
  4. Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop.
  5. Cut bacon slices in half if needed to fit. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a bacon piece, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
  6. Place wrapped poppers on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender but hold shape. Rotate pan halfway through baking.
  7. Let poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. For crispier bacon, use a wire rack to allow fat to drip away. Do not overfill jalapeños to prevent filling from oozing out. Poppers can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Broil for last 2-3 minutes if bacon is not crispy enough. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep bacon crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, spicy appetizer, cream cheese poppers, party snacks, game day food