The Best Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – Party Favorite!

When it comes to appetizers, few can compete with the bold, spicy, and irresistible combination of bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. Enter the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – the perfect spicy appetizer for your next party, game night, or casual gathering. These bite-sized delights pack a punch of flavor, balancing heat with creamy cheese and savory bacon, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a tailgating event, or just craving a delicious snack, these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are guaranteed to steal the show. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this dish is an essential addition to your culinary repertoire!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers have been around for years, but when you wrap them in bacon, the game changes entirely. The crispy, smoky bacon provides the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy filling inside each jalapeño. The cream cheese helps tone down the heat from the peppers, while the cheddar adds an extra layer of richness. Together, these ingredients create a mouthwatering balance of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Additionally, these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer at your next party, a game-day snack, or even a side dish to accompany a main course. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, so they’re perfect for busy days when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

In this section, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create these flavorful Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process.

Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

To make these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded: Jalapeños bring the heat to this dish. By removing the seeds and membranes, you can control the spice level. If you like your poppers extra spicy, you can leave some seeds in.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese helps mellow out the heat of the jalapeños, making each bite rich and creamy.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the creamy texture of the cream cheese.
• 2 green onions, finely chopped: Green onions provide a mild, oniony bite that balances out the richness of the cheeses.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder infuses the filling with a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, which complements the bacon and adds another layer of flavor to the poppers.
• 16 slices of bacon: Bacon is the star ingredient, wrapping around each jalapeño half for a crispy, smoky finish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the richness of the dish.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories per serving: 180 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Directions: How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also ensures the bacon doesn’t stick to the baking sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños

Next, slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes from each half. Be sure to wear gloves while handling the jalapeños to avoid irritation from the capsaicin, the compound that gives the peppers their heat.

For a milder version, you can remove all of the seeds and membranes, but if you prefer more spice, leave a few seeds behind. This will give your poppers a bit more of a kick without overwhelming your taste buds.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The cream cheese acts as a creamy base that holds the shredded cheddar and spices together, ensuring a smooth, delicious filling for each jalapeño half.

Step 4: Stuff the Jalapeños

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously. Don’t be shy with the filling – you want each popper to be packed with cheesy goodness. Be sure to spread the filling evenly to cover the entire surface of the pepper.

Step 5: Wrap with Bacon

Now comes the fun part – wrapping the stuffed jalapeños with bacon. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, making sure the bacon is wrapped tightly to hold the filling inside.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn.

The beauty of these poppers lies in the crispy bacon, which provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling and the tender jalapeño. The heat from the peppers, combined with the smoky bacon and cheesy filling, creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the poppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. The parsley adds a lovely finishing touch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the bacon and cheese.

Serve your Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers hot, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Use Thick-Cut Bacon for Extra Crispiness

For the best texture and flavor, use thick-cut bacon. Thin bacon tends to cook too quickly and may not crisp up as nicely. Thick-cut bacon will give you that perfect crispy exterior while still keeping the poppers juicy on the inside.

Don’t Overstuff the Poppers

While it’s tempting to stuff the jalapeños to the brim with cream cheese, try not to overstuff them. If the filling is too much, it may spill out during baking, making a mess and losing some of the flavor. Aim for a nice, generous filling without overloading the peppers.

Make Them Ahead of Time

You can prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers ahead of time! Prepare the poppers up to the point of wrapping them in bacon, then cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven for 25 minutes, and they’ll be as good as fresh!

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like things less spicy, use milder peppers like banana peppers or sweet mini peppers. Alternatively, if you’re a heat enthusiast, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese filling or using habanero peppers for a much spicier kick.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

These poppers are perfect as an appetizer or snack, but you can also serve them in different ways to suit your meal:

Serve as an Appetizer

Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on a platter with some toothpicks for easy grabbing. Serve them with a cool dip, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a tangy barbecue sauce, to help cut through the heat of the peppers.

Serve with Tacos or BBQ

Pair these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with your favorite Mexican or BBQ dishes. They make an excellent side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or smoked ribs.

Make Them a Party Platter

If you’re hosting a party, make a big batch of these poppers and serve them on a large platter. They’re great for sharing and sure to be a hit with guests!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a relatively low-carb snack, making them an excellent choice for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Turkey Bacon?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter alternative, you can swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as well as traditional bacon, but it will still work great and provide a delicious flavor.

Can I Freeze Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?

Absolutely! You can freeze these poppers before or after baking. To freeze them, arrange the prepared poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Can I Make These Spicy or Mild?

Of course! The beauty of Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers lies in their adaptability. You can control the level of spice by adjusting the type of peppers used or by leaving more or fewer seeds in the peppers. For a milder version, try using mini bell peppers instead of jalapeños.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a true crowd-pleaser. With their perfect balance of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños, they’re the ideal appetizer for any occasion. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any party, these poppers will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:

One Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta
Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Rolls
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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