Looking for a fun and spicy appetizer to wow your guests? These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect party treat!
Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re having a BBQ, throwing a pool party, or hosting a family gathering, these poppers will disappear fast. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s get cooking and spice up your next party!
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe:
- 12 medium jalapeño peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temp
- 1 c. cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 t. garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 2 T. fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
Step-by-step Guide:
Jalapeño peppers can vary quite a bit in size. For best results, choose uniformly sized small to medium peppers for this recipe.
The cheese mixture will puff up a bit while baking, so don’t overstuff each pepper half while filling or the cheese may overflow onto the baking sheet.
1 – Pre-heat oven to 375°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat. Set aside.
2 – In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
3 – Fill each jalapeño half with some of the cheese mixture and wrap with one-half slice bacon. Secure bacon with a toothpick and set on the prepared baking sheet.
4 – Place the baking sheet in the pre-heated oven and bake until the cheese mixture is golden-brown and bubbly, and the bacon is cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
5 – Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the poppers to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Pro Tip for Success:
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Use room-temperature cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out for about 20 minutes before mixing it. This makes it easier to blend with the cheddar cheese, giving you a smoother filling that’s easier to stuff into the peppers.
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Adjust spice level to your taste: If you prefer a milder popper, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, leave some seeds in, or try using spicier peppers like serranos for a more intense kick!
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Make ahead for easy entertaining: You can stuff and wrap the poppers a day in advance. Simply cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This will save you time when prepping for your party!
These tips will help make your Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers quicker, easier, and customizable for any crowd!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and hop into the kitchen to make this delightful Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers recipe – it’s sure to be a big hit!
