- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and shredded cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the jalapeños: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling generously but not overflowing.
- Wrap with bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half if needed and wrap around each stuffed jalapeño. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Bake: Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender.
- Optional broil: For extra crispy bacon, broil the poppers for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, remove toothpicks, and serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Serving and Storage
Serve these poppers as an appetizer, side dish, or game-day snack. They’re best enjoyed warm while the bacon is crisp and the filling is gooey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness or in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
Tips:
- Use medium jalapeños for a perfect balance of heat; remove seeds and veins to reduce spiciness.
- Room temperature cream cheese mixes more easily with the shredded cheese for a smooth filling.
- Thin-sliced bacon works best for wrapping; thick slices may require longer baking time.
- For extra smoky flavor, cook on a preheated grill instead of the oven.
- Secure with toothpicks if the bacon tends to unravel during baking.
Conclusion:
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate combination of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors. Quick to assemble, irresistible to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser, they make the perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. Every bite delivers crispy bacon, creamy cheesy filling, and a gentle kick of heat — truly impossible to resist!
FAQ:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and assemble them in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, place assembled, unbaked poppers on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I make them less spicy?
Remove all seeds and veins from the jalapeños or substitute with mini sweet peppers.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses work well.
Can I cook them on the grill?
Yes, wrap in foil or place on a grill pan over indirect heat to achieve smoky flavor and crisp bacon.