These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are creamy, spicy and loaded with cheese. The perfect party appetizer!
I have to admit, I have a weakness for jalapeno poppers. As much as I love them, I’ve never made them at home, because I’m not a fan of deep frying in my own kitchen. These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are baked instead of fried, and let me say, they’re even better than the original! Who can resist fresh jalapenos stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon and baked to crispy perfection? Not me, that’s for sure. This is the ultimate party or game day snack!
How to make jalapeno poppers
It probably won’t surprise you that the first ingredient in this recipe is jalapenos. I like to buy jalapenos that are about 3-4 inches long, you don’t want them to be too small or they’ll be hard to stuff. The jalapenos are sliced in half and the seeds and ribs get removed. Removing the seeds and ribs removes most of the heat from the peppers; if you like it spicier, leave some of the seeds and ribs in. The peppers are stuffed with a combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese and spices.
The final step in the process is the bacon. You definitely want to avoid thick cut bacon here as it’ll take a lot longer to crisp up in the oven. The jalapenos get wrapped in half a slice of bacon and then secured with a toothpick. You can remove the toothpicks before serving like I did here, or leave them in for people to grab off the party platter. Whatever you prefer!
I like to serve my bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with a side of ranch for dipping, but honestly they’re awesome as-is too. This is one of those party snacks where everyone will be asking you for the recipe! You can even fill and wrap the jalapenos up to 8 hours before you plan to bake them, simply store them in the fridge until you’re ready to go. You might even want to consider making a double batch, these little guys disappear quickly!
More appetizers for your next party
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Video
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeno peppers approximately 3-4 inches long
- 1 8 ounce block cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 12 slices bacon do not use thick cut
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat it with cooking spray.
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs.
- In a medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.
- Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper half in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.
- Arrange the peppers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and browned. Serve immediately.
Dena Ferrell says
Second time making these,had thicker bacon so baked bacon 12 minutes in 400 degree preheated oven….mixed up insides and spooned into jalapeno halves. Rolled jalapenos in half cooked bacon and toothpicks them. Baked for 20 more minutes and they were perfect! Thanks for recipe. Also, added 1/4 garlic and changed salt to 1/4 teaspoon…everything else, the same.
CARL HEITMULLER says
Can they be cooked on a grill?
Sara says
Yes but place them on a rack or pan so they don’t fall through the grates!
Cristina says
are you unable to do this with thick cut bacon?
Sara says
You can but it will take a lot longer to cook!
Mark John Welch says
Wear gloves when you cut them!
mamabear6 says
Second time making these, they are sooo good!!! Big hit on game days and super easy!!!
Marion says
I would like to know if I could freeze theeze after baking? And then of course thaw & reheat?
Sara says
You could do that, but I think the texture would change quite a bit because the peppers would get soft from being frozen then thawed!
Paula says
Can i make these and freeze before baking?
Sara says
That should be fine although the jalapeno will be softer when it’s cooked!
Susie says
Second time making these, they are sooo good, I upped the oven temp a bit just because they seemed to be taking a little longer to cook then I would’ve like, but I also liked the bacon a little crispier, but oh my very good recipe , my whole family loved them..
DAREN says
CHOP UP LEFT OVERS AND ADD THEM TOCORNBREAD
JerkChicken says
Well she’s a seasoned mom of 3 kids…so maybe she’s adapt to moving a bit quicker than you.
Char says
Everyone loved them! I am ready to make them again!
Riley Frerking says
Make sure you wear gloves when your de-ribbing and de-seeding the jalapeños. I forgot to and my fingers burned for the next 24 hours. Great recipe!!!
Marcia says
These are delicious! My only problem with this recipe is that it says 10 minutes prep time. I am a seasoned cook and cutting the peppers, deseeding them, making the cheese filling, filling them and wrapping them in bacon too at least a half hour. Just putting this comment out there so people know to figure more time for these wonderful babies!