Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and baked until golden and crunchy. They make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game day, or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 poppers (serves 6-8 as an appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 medium fresh jalapeño peppers (about 4–5 inches long), halved and seeded
- 10–12 slices thick-cut bacon, uncooked (cut in half if peppers are small)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Few drops hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Put on disposable gloves. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chives. Mix until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, but do not overfill.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half (unless jalapeños are large). Wrap a piece of bacon tightly around each stuffed pepper and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange poppers seam side down on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is browned and crispy and cheese is bubbling. Rotate the tray halfway through for even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and arrange on a platter.
Notes
Use thick-cut bacon for best results. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños. Avoid overstuffing peppers to prevent cheese leaks. For extra crunch, broil briefly at the end. Prep ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. These poppers are naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or vegetarian with substitutions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, cream cheese appetizer, easy party snack, game day, gluten-free, spicy appetizer