Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like never before! These Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers are about to revolutionize your snacking game. Prepare for the ultimate fusion of crispy bacon, melty cheddar, tangy ranch, and a fiery kick from fresh jalapeños. This epic recipe is an absolute must-try for any self-proclaimed foodie or bacon enthusiast. Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers
This recipe is an absolute INSANE flavor bomb that will leave your taste buds in a state of pure bliss. The combination of savory bacon, creamy cheddar, and zesty ranch is simply out of this world. And let’s not forget the fiery jalapeños that add a thrilling kick to every bite. These poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, game day snack, or late-night indulgence. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked for life. This dish causes serious food jealousy – your friends and family won’t be able to get enough!
Ingredients
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these irresistible ingredients! You’ll need crispy bacon, fresh jalapeños, creamy cheddar cheese, tangy ranch dressing, and a few simple seasonings to bring this epic creation to life. The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your personal preferences.
- 1 lb – Thick-cut bacon
- 12 – Fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds/membranes removed
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup – Ranch dressing
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: Use milder bell peppers or swap in some spicy sriracha for a different flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese: Go wild with other melty cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers
Alright, let’s get down to business and bring these Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers to life! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, but the end result is nothing short of legendary.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare your jalapeños. Slice them in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes, and give them a good rinse. Next, create your cheesy ranch filling by mixing together the cheddar, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. Get ready to stuff those jalapeño halves!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now for the star of the show – the bacon! Carefully wrap each jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Get ready for your kitchen to be filled with the most mouth-watering aroma as the bacon crisps up to perfection.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the poppers are golden brown and the bacon is crispy, it’s time to dig in! Remove the toothpicks and arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on a serving platter. Get ready for the explosion of flavors – the savory bacon, the melty cheddar, the tangy ranch, and the fiery jalapeños all come together in perfect harmony.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: Use extra-hot jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra fiery kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a new twist.
- Pork Swap: Wrap the jalapeño halves with prosciutto or pancetta instead of regular bacon.
- Dip It: Serve the poppers with a side of creamy ranch, spicy sriracha, or cool avocado dip for even more flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer or game day snack. Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, for maximum flavor and texture.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To restore that delicious crispiness, reheat the poppers in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
Nutrition Information
Indulging in these Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers is an absolute treat, but let’s be real – they’re not exactly health food. Each serving packs a hefty dose of protein, fat, and calories, thanks to the bacon and cheese. But hey, sometimes you just gotta live a little and treat yourself to something truly epic. Just remember to enjoy these poppers in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How can I make these poppers extra spicy?
If you really want to turn up the heat, try using extra-hot jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper in the filling. You can also experiment with different hot sauces or spicy seasonings.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other melty cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or even cream cheese.
How do I prevent the bacon from getting soggy?
To ensure your bacon stays crispy, make sure to wrap the jalapeño halves tightly and bake the poppers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the excess fat to drip away, keeping the bacon nice and crispy.
Can I make these poppers in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is the perfect tool for achieving that irresistible crispy bacon. Simply arrange the bacon-wrapped poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Try These Next
- Bacon Wrapped Maple Jalapeno Poppers
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Sliders
- Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 poppers 1x
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect appetizer for any party or game day. These spicy jalapeños are filled with a creamy cheddar ranch mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
6 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
12 slices of bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes (for less heat, remove more seeds).
3. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. 4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. 5. Wrap each filled jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
6. 6. Place the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
8. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or garlic powder to the cheese mixture.
You can adjust the spice level by leaving some seeds in the jalapeños or using different pepper varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon, appetizer, party food