Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like never before! These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Cheese Filling are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Prepare to unleash a wild ride of salty, spicy, and indulgent deliciousness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Cheese Filling
If you’re a fan of bacon, cheese, and a little kick, then this recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy cream cheese, and the subtle heat of jalapeños creates a flavor profile that’s out of this world. These poppers are the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and creamy goodness that’ll leave you craving more with every single mouthful. Plus, they’re super easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from game day to cocktail parties. Get ready to wow your guests and make some epic food memories!
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are simple but pack a powerful punch. You’ll need fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and of course, the star of the show – thick-cut bacon. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll be well on your way to creating a flavor sensation that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
- 12 fresh jalapeños – sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – for that ooey-gooey filling
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – because you can never have too much cheese!
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon – the salty, crispy element that brings it all together
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance the flavors
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: If you’re not a fan of jalapeños or want to adjust the heat level, you can use other types of chili peppers like serrano or Anaheim.
- Cheese: For the cheese, feel free to experiment with different varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. And if you’re not a bacon lover (gasp!), you can swap it out for prosciutto or even a plant-based alternative.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Cheese Filling
Let’s get down to business and whip up these flavor-packed poppers, shall we? Follow these simple steps and get ready to elevate your snacking game to new heights!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your ingredients. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes, which will help control the heat level. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, carefully stuff each jalapeño half with the creamy cheese mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure it fills the cavity. Then, wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeño, overlapping the ends to secure it in place.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once they’re out of the oven, let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Feel free to sprinkle on some extra cheese, chopped chives, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese it up: Experiment with different types of cheese, like crumbled feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist.
- Pork-y Perfection: For a truly epic experience, consider wrapping the poppers in prosciutto instead of bacon.
- Carb Conscious: Use low-carb or keto-friendly ingredients like almond flour or pork rinds to make these poppers even more guilt-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Just remember to reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore that irresistible crispiness.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled filling.
Nutrition Information
These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a delightful indulgence, but they do pack a nutritional punch. Each serving contains a balance of protein from the cream cheese and bacon, as well as a dose of fiber and vitamins from the jalapeños. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the high-fat content can add up quickly. But hey, life is short – sometimes you just gotta live a little and treat yourself to an EPIC, flavor-packed snack!
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 550 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 keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled filling.
How spicy are these jalapeño poppers?
The level of heat can vary depending on the size and ripeness of the jalapeños you use. For a milder version, remove all the seeds and membranes. If you want more of a kick, leave some of the seeds intact. And for the true daredevils out there, feel free to use extra-hot jalapeños or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Definitely! The air fryer is a game-changer for getting that perfect crispy bacon and melty cheese. Simply arrange the stuffed and wrapped jalapeño poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is the way to go for reheating these poppers. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the leftover poppers on a baking sheet. Warm them up for 5-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bacon soggy.
Can I use frozen jalapeños instead of fresh?
While fresh jalapeños are ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely before stuffing and wrapping them in bacon. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be on point.
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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Creamy Cheese Filling
- 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 Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and spicy appetizer filled with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon.
Ingredients
6 large jalapeño peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 slices of bacon
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
6. Place the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese to the cream cheese mixture.
Adjust the spiciness by leaving more or fewer seeds in the jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon, appetizer