Description
Deliciously spicy and cheesy jalapeño poppers wrapped in crispy bacon, perfect as a game day snack or appetizer. These baked poppers combine creamy cream cheese with sharp cheddar and a hint of garlic, delivering a flavorful bite with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeños
- 12 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wrapping
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prepare for baking the poppers.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, filling them generously to ensure a creamy center.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary to keep it in place during baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the wrapped jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the poppers to cool slightly after baking to set before serving and enjoying these spicy, cheesy treats.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, add a little hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture before filling.
- You can cook the jalapeño poppers in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes as an alternative to baking.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives.
