Hey folks, ever crave something with a little kick? Well, get ready to spice things up with our Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon! Picture this: fresh jalapeno peppers stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped in savory bacon, and baked to crispy perfection. It’s the ultimate appetizer for any gathering, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just chilling with friends. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds – these jalapeno poppers with bacon are the real deal!
Bold Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon Recipe
Bacon jalapeño poppers are savory appetizers that combine spicy jalapeño peppers with creamy cheese and crispy bacon. These delicious bites are perfect for parties or game day gatherings, offering a flavorful combination of heat, cheese, and smoky bacon in every bite.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating little jalapeño boats.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
- Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the poppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Transfer them to a serving platter and enjoy them hot as a delicious appetizer or party snack!
Notes
- Jalapeño handling: When handling jalapeños, be cautious as the oils from the peppers can irritate your skin and eyes. Consider wearing gloves or washing your hands thoroughly after handling them.
- Adjusting heat level: To control the spiciness of the poppers, you can remove the seeds and membranes completely for milder poppers, or leave some in for extra heat.
- Softening cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
- Bacon crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the jalapeños. This will help achieve a crispier texture during baking.
- Toothpick removal: If you use toothpicks to secure the bacon, remember to remove them before serving to avoid any accidental ingestion.
- Serving suggestions: Bacon jalapeño poppers are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or sriracha mayo for added flavor.
can i make these JALAPENO POPPERS WITH BACON ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Here’s how:
- Prepare the Poppers: Follow the recipe to assemble the jalapeno poppers, stuffing them with the cheese mixture and wrapping them with bacon as usual.
- Refrigerate: Once assembled, arrange the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
- Bake When Ready: When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake the chilled poppers according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they are starting from a cold temperature.
tips & tricks!
- Selecting Jalapenos: Choose jalapenos that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. Look for peppers with a vibrant green color for the best flavor and texture.
- Handling Jalapenos: Wear gloves when handling jalapenos, especially if you’re sensitive to spice or have cuts on your hands. Avoid touching your face or eyes after handling jalapenos, as the oils can cause irritation.
- Removing Seeds: To reduce the heat of the jalapenos, remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon. This step helps tame the spice level while still retaining the flavor of the peppers.
- Soaking Toothpicks: If using toothpicks to secure the bacon, soak them in water for 15-30 minutes before wrapping the poppers. This prevents them from burning in the oven or on the grill.