These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. They combine spicy jalapenos with creamy cheese and crispy bacon, creating a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a casual family dinner, these poppers are sure to impress. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dish that pairs well with a variety of beverages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious poppers in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese wrapped in crispy bacon offers an irresistible taste experience.
- Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, these poppers fit any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toothpicks (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to blend your ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Poppers
- 12 large jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to make the bacon crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Jalapenos
- Halve the jalapenos lengthwise.
- Remove the seeds carefully using a knife or spoon.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Fill the Jalapenos
Using a spoon or knife, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Be generous but don’t overfill!
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it around each filled jalapeno half. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Step 6: Bake the Poppers
Place the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Step 7: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
For an added crunch, broil the poppers for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let cool slightly before serving. These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are best enjoyed warm!
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have delicious Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers ready in no time!
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers make a fantastic appetizer for any gathering. Their spicy, cheesy goodness pairs well with a variety of sides and dips.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – A classic choice that complements the heat of the jalapenos.
- Sour Cream – Provides a cool contrast to the spicy poppers.
- BBQ Sauce – Adds a sweet and smoky flavor that enhances the taste.
- Guacamole – Fresh and creamy, it pairs perfectly with each bite.
As Part of a Platter
- Vegetable Platter – Serve alongside fresh veggies for a crunchy texture.
- Cheese Board – Add assorted cheeses to elevate your appetizer spread.
- Charcuterie Board – Include cured meats for an elegant touch.
With Cocktails
- Beer Pairings – Cold beer complements the flavors and makes for a great match.
- Margaritas – The zesty lime flavor enhances the spicy kick of the poppers.
How to Perfect Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
To ensure your bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are absolutely delicious, follow these handy tips.
- Choose Fresh Jalapenos – Select firm, bright green peppers for the best flavor and crunch.
- Soften Cream Cheese – Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Use Thin Bacon Strips – Thin bacon cooks faster and crisps up nicely around the poppers.
- Don’t Overstuff – Fill jalapenos moderately to prevent overflowing during cooking.
- Bake on a Rack – Place poppers on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are delicious on their own, but they can be complemented with some great side dishes. Here are some fantastic options.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing side that balances out the spice of the poppers.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread adds texture and pairs well with spicy flavors.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty complement to the appetizers.
- Mexican Rice – Flavored rice brings an additional layer of taste inspired by Mexican cuisine.
- Guacamole Salad – Light and flavorful, this salad enhances the theme of your meal.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips with zesty salsa create an enjoyable snacking experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Avoiding these errors will help you create the best poppers possible.
- Boldly skip the seasoning: Not seasoning the cheese mixture can lead to bland poppers. Always add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for flavor.
- Boldly overstuff: Filling the jalapenos too much can cause them to burst during baking. Fill them generously but not excessively.
- Boldly neglecting bacon: Using thick-cut bacon may not cook properly in time. Opt for standard or thin bacon slices for even cooking.
- Boldly ignoring the oven temperature: Baking at a lower temperature will result in soggy bacon. Stick to 400°F (200°C) for crispy results.
- Boldly forgetting to remove seeds: Leaving seeds in the jalapenos can make them overly spicy. Always remove seeds for better balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store leftover Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezing Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Duration: You can freeze these poppers for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Reheating Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but this may make bacon less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers that may help you out!
Can I make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese.
Are there variations of Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers?
Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, spices, or even meats like sausage for extra flavor.
How spicy are Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers?
The heat level depends on the type of jalapenos used. Removing the seeds reduces spiciness significantly.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. They are perfect for parties or game days and incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste!
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. These delightful bites feature fresh jalapenos stuffed with a rich cheese mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating an irresistible taste sensation. Ideal for game days, parties, or family gatherings, these poppers are incredibly easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether served with dipping sauces or as part of a platter, they will surely impress your guests. Enjoy these scrumptious bites warm for the best experience!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people (1 popper per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of bacon
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the jalapenos lengthwise and remove seeds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap each filled jalapeno with half a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper (28g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
