Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Turn up the heat on your holiday spread or office party with these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. These delicious, bite-sized treats are a tasty blend of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon.
When I first served these delectable morsels at a family gathering, they vanished almost instantly. Since then, they’ve become a go-to for parties and game nights! Their bold flavors will satisfy the heartiest appetites.
The appeal of these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers lies in the delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crisp bacon provides a satisfying, salty crunch, which gives way to the tender, spicy jalapeño. The cool, creamy cheese filling tempers the heat just enough.
What to serve with bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers
For a party or casual gathering, you might offer other classic finger foods like barbecue wings, cocktail meatballs, or a vegetable platter with dip. Another of my favorite appetizer recipes for a holiday spread is this one for orange and cranberry brie bites.
If you’re including them as part of a full meal, jalapeño poppers make an excellent starter before main dishes like burgers, easy ground beef tacos, or a substantial salad, like my Thanksgiving salad with hot bacon dressing.
A bonus with these is they make a great low-carb snack anytime. Anyone being mindful of their carbohydrate intake will appreciate you for serving them, especially during the holiday season. With their high protein and fat content, the poppers are satisfying in addition to their deliciousness.
To quench your thirst, pair these treats with a crisp, chilled beer or a margarita. Nonalcoholic beverages like sparkling water with lemon or sweet tea have a nice contrast with these savory, smoky and rich poppers.
Ingredients needed to make these jalapeño poppers
Below are all the items to gather to make these delicious appetizers, plus a bit about what each ingredient adds to them.
- Jalapeño Peppers: The main ingredient that delivers a spicy kick and a crunchy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Contributes a tangy, creamy foundation for the filling.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor to the filling and helps it solidify a bit when melted.
- Salt & Pepper: Boost the overall flavor of the filling.
- Garlic: Adds depth and a savory note to the filling.
- Onion Powder: Gives the filling an additional layer of flavor.
- Bacon: Crucial to every bite, bacon gives the poppers a smoky, salty, crispy exterior.
Kitchen equipment needed
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Paring knife
- Butter knife
- Toothpicks
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions and answers about jalapeño poppers. If you have a question I haven’t covered, let me know in the comments, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
What condiments go best with jalapeño poppers?
While ranch dressing is a traditional choice, you might also consider serving them with a side of sour cream or a spicy sauce like sriracha mayo for those who like maximum heat.
How can you prevent jalapeño poppers from becoming soggy?
To maintain the crispiness of your jalapeño poppers, be sure to pat dry each jalapeno half before filling and wrapping it. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet during cooking. That will ensure even crisping and prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze jalapeño poppers?
Freezing jalapeño poppers after cooking is the most practical approach. Allow them to cool completely, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe, airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Same goes for leftovers, although I will be surprised if you have any!
Can I make bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers a day in advance, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
What’s the best way to slice and deseed jalapeños?
To minimize the spiciness and make room for the filling, slice the jalapeños lengthwise and use a spoon or a paring knife to scrape out the seeds and ribs. It’s recommended to wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
Can I use turkey bacon or other bacon alternatives?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon or other bacon alternatives to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions. Keep in mind that cooking times and results may vary depending on the type of bacon used, so be sure to monitor the poppers closely during cooking and adjust the time as needed.
More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe for bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers, take a look at some of these other yummy recipes perfect for your holiday cooking:
- Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Creamy Jalapeno Dip
- Bacon Crackers Appetizer
- Peach Salsa
- Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 12 jalapeño peppers large
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 slices bacon not thick-cut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Cut jalapeños lengthwise, then use a spoon to remove inside ribs and seeds. Fill each pepper with cheese mixture using a butter knife to smooth tops and wrap each one with a halved slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Bake at 400 degrees until the bacon is crispy and the filling is melted and lightly browned, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
I’ve always loved eating these at tailgates. So glad I finally made them myself!! They turned out so great!