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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Best Game Day Appetizer

crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image
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These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers deliver shatter-crisp bacon, a creamy tangy filling, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for game day, they’re easy to make and always the first to disappear.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dip (optional)
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Put on gloves if using. Rinse jalapeños and pat dry. Cut each in half lengthwise through the stem. Use a small spoon or paring knife to scrape out seeds and white membranes. For milder poppers, remove all membrane; for spicier, leave some.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lay bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 6-8 minutes until bacon starts to render fat and is slightly translucent but still pliable. Remove and let cool on paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Fill level with the cut edge, not mounded. A heaping teaspoon per half is usually perfect.
  5. Cut par-cooked bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice around each stuffed jalapeño half, starting at one end and overlapping slightly. Tuck the end under to secure. Use a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place wrapped poppers seam-side down on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until bacon is deep golden brown and crispy, and filling is hot and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Let poppers rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with chopped chives or everything bagel seasoning if desired, and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the wire rack—it ensures crispy bacon all around. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Thin-cut bacon is essential; thick-cut will not crisp properly. For make-ahead, assemble poppers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake as directed adding 2-3 minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-bacon-wrapped-jalape-n-o-poppers-best-game-day-appetizer/