Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, y’all! I’m about to show you how to make the ULTIMATE Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers that will have your friends and family begging for more. These bad boys are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy – a true explosion of flavor in every bite. Buckle up, because we’re about to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
These Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are the stuff of legends! Not only are they drop-dead gorgeous, but they’re also packed with an insane amount of flavor. The sweet and smoky maple bacon jam perfectly complements the heat of the jalapeños, creating a thrilling taste sensation that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can whip up a batch anytime you need to impress your crew. Get ready to become the ultimate party hero with these sensational poppers!
Ingredients
You’re going to need a few key ingredients to make these epic Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers. First up, you’ll need fresh jalapeños, of course. Then, you’ll need to make a batch of my legendary Maple Bacon Jam (the recipe is included, don’t worry!). And to finish it off, you’ll need some cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. That’s it – just a handful of simple ingredients that are about to come together in the most incredible way.
- 12 fresh jalapeños – halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 1 cup Maple Bacon Jam (recipe included below)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for any other melty cheese you love, like pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Peppers: If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can use bell peppers instead of jalapeños for a milder version.
How to Make Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make these mind-blowing Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers. Get ready, because this is about to get epic.
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, slice your jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes, leaving the stems intact. This will give you the perfect little jalapeño boats to fill with all the good stuff.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to make the filling! In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a generous spoonful of that irresistible Maple Bacon Jam until it’s well combined. Grab a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe this insanely delicious filling into each jalapeño half.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To finish these bad boys off, sprinkle the stuffed jalapeños with the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to gently press them in so they stick. Then, pop the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once they’re out of the oven, let the Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers cool for a few minutes. Then, get ready to dive in and enjoy the ultimate flavor explosion! These are best served hot and fresh, so gather your crew and get ready to devour them while they’re at their peak.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Bacon Flavor: Try adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top for an extra burst of savory, smoky goodness.
- Tangy Twist: Mix in a bit of shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta for a touch of tanginess.
- Maple Bacon Jam Dip: Serve these poppers with a side of my homemade Maple Bacon Jam for the ultimate flavor pairing!
- Bacon Wrapped Poppers: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half in a slice of crispy bacon for an over-the-top bacon explosion.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty chipotle mayo for dipping.
Storage: Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the poppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Make-Ahead: The Maple Bacon Jam can be made up to 1 week in advance, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to stuff the jalapeños.
Nutrition Information
Each Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Popper is a flavor-packed explosion of deliciousness, but let’s be real – they’re not exactly health food. Enjoy these epic treats in moderation and pair them with a fresh salad or some crisp veggies to balance things out.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Maple Bacon Jam Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The Maple Bacon Jam can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This will make assembly a breeze when you’re ready to stuff the jalapeños.
Can I Freeze the Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers?
Yes, you can! Once the poppers are stuffed and breaded, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake the frozen poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How Spicy are the Jalapeños?
The heat level of jalapeños can vary quite a bit, depending on growing conditions and the individual pepper. As a general rule, jalapeños with more white veins and seeds tend to be spicier. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can use milder peppers like Anaheim or bell peppers instead.
Can I Make Vegetarian/Vegan Poppers?
Absolutely! To make these poppers vegetarian, simply swap out the bacon jam for a plant-based cream cheese or vegan cheese alternative. For a vegan version, use a vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese in the filling.
What Should I Serve with the Poppers?
These Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are the star of the show, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of dips, sauces, and sides. Try serving them with ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty chipotle mayo for dipping. They also make a great accompaniment to grilled meats, fresh salads, or crispy fries.
Try These Next
- Bacon Wrapped Maple Jalapeno Poppers
- Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeno Poppers
- Crispy Maple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 poppers 1x
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bacon Jam Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are a sweet and spicy appetizer that combines the richness of bacon jam with the heat of jalapeños, making them perfect for any gathering or game day.
Ingredients
8 large jalapeños, halved and seeded
1 cup bacon jam
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, bacon jam, and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
3. Spoon the mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
4. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the stuffed jalapeños.
6. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the jalapeños are tender.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
These poppers can be made ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Jalapeño poppers, bacon jam, appetizers