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 along with other offerings such as antipasto skewers and slow cooker chicken wings!
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
- Sausage Cheese Balls
- Slow Cooker Party Wings
- Cowboy Caviar
- White Queso Dip
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
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.
Delicious! I’ve made this recipe about six or so times and through trial and error there are two simple hacks that take this to the next level. First, after preparing the jalapenos, place on a microwave safe plate covered with a wet towel. Cook on high for two to three minutes. Let cool. Prepare cheese mixture as outlined, minus the salt and then wrap in thinly sliced prosciutto. Cook in oven for 13-18 minutes or until prosciutto crisps. Perfect app. Thanks for the inspiration!
I made some feta stuffed jalapenos with the last of the garden harvest, and had some extra jalapenos, so I used this recipe. They turned out absolutely delicious. Will definitely be making them again. Cheers!
Absolutely delicious! Next time I will not add the salt. It was a bit salty for my taste. Instead of using just Cheddar I put half cup each of pepper jack and Cheddar. Thank you for the recipe my grandkids loved them.
This is the 3rd time I’ve made them. Each time, I’ve had a request to make them again. Have always been asked for the recipe. I definite appetizer you can count on everybody devouring.
Do you know what temp you’d set an Air Fryer for cooking?
You could try 370 degrees for 12-15 minutes, but that’s just an estimate. I haven’t tested this recipe in an air fryer myself!
Unbelievable flavor!!
These are a huge favorite at our house. We make them with anything grilled as one of the sides instead of an appetizer. They are also great cold the day after.
I have made this recipe several times, best jalapeño poppers I’ve ever eaten. I will always use this recipe everybody that I have made them for rave about them.
Cook at 375 or 400 instead so bacon crisps
These are amazing. I’m not big on spicy foods, but these aren’t too bad.