Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese and cheddar, delivering a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy flavors. Ideal for quick snacks, parties, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 medium fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (about 60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
- 12 slices bacon, thin to medium thickness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
- Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, leaving a little room at the edges.
- Cut each bacon slice in half if needed to fit around the jalapeño halves. Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a bacon strip, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the wrapped jalapeños on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to allow bacon fat to drip away and promote even cooking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes to ensure bacon is crisp but not burnt. If bacon crisps too quickly, lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and finish baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to allow cheese to set slightly.
- Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives on top before serving.
Notes
Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. Baking on a wire rack helps bacon crisp evenly and prevents soggy bottoms. Thin to medium bacon works best. Remove toothpicks before serving. You can prepare jalapeños and filling a day ahead and refrigerate, then wrap and bake before serving. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep bacon crispy; reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped jala
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, cream cheese, appetizer, snack, party food, spicy, crispy