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Easy Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are the perfect appetizer for game day or any gathering. With a creamy, cheesy filling and perfectly rendered bacon, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1215 fresh jalapenos, medium-sized
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1215 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Wearing gloves, cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture, using about a generous teaspoon per half.
  5. Pre-cook the bacon slightly: Lay bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels and microwave for 1-2 minutes until it starts to render fat but is still pliable.
  6. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice tightly around the middle of each filled jalapeno half and secure with a toothpick.
  7. Arrange the wrapped poppers on the wire rack, spacing them about an inch apart.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is deep golden brown and crispy and the filling is bubbly.
  9. Let the poppers rest on the rack for about 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks or leave them in for easy grabbing.

Notes

For less spicy poppers, scrape out all seeds and membranes thoroughly. For a milder version, use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos. You can assemble these up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5 minutes to baking time. For grilling, soak toothpicks in water for 30 minutes first.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, crispy jalapeno poppers, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, keto appetizer