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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with creamy cheese, offering a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Easy to prepare and ideal for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1012 medium-sized fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 oz (225 g) softened cream cheese
  • 1012 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Use a spoon or small scoop to generously fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each filled jalapeño, starting at the bottom and spiraling to the top. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place the poppers on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, seam side down. If you don’t have a rack, place them directly on the sheet but turn them halfway through baking.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the jalapeños are tender. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if needed.
  8. Let the poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Use thick-cut bacon for best crispiness. Let poppers rest after baking to allow cheese to set. Optionally brush with maple syrup before baking for a subtle sweetness. Can be made dairy-free with coconut-based spread and turkey or plant-based bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, cream cheese, appetizer, party snack, spicy, easy recipe