Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Crunchy bacon wrapped around creamy, spicy jalapeño halves filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture, perfect as a quick and easy snack or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers (12 jalapeños halved) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 medium-sized jalapeño peppers, fresh and firm
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (about 50 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Rinse and dry 12 fresh jalapeños. Cut each in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out seeds and membranes to reduce heat if desired.
- In a medium bowl, mix 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but without overstuffing.
- Take one slice of thin-cut bacon and wrap it around each filled jalapeño half, spiraling until covered. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place wrapped poppers on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or directly on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through if not using a wire rack, until bacon is crisp and golden and jalapeños are tender but not mushy.
- Let poppers rest for about 5 minutes after baking before serving.
Notes
Use thin-sliced bacon for best crispiness. Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat. Use a wire rack for even crisping or turn poppers halfway through baking if baking directly on the sheet. Let poppers rest after baking to prevent filling from oozing. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternative. Can be air fried at 375°F for 12-15 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, cream cheese poppers, spicy snack, party appetizer, easy snack, bacon appetizer