Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers blend spicy peppers, smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon for a mouthwatering appetizer. Tender jalapenos are halved and filled with a seasoned cheese mixture, then wrapped in bacon strips. Baking ensures a crispy exterior and gooey center. Their rich, bold flavors are perfect for parties or game day spreads. Each satisfying bite balances spicy heat with creamy, cheesy texture and savory bacon crunch. Serve warm, and be sure not to overfill the jalapenos to keep that melty cheese inside. Enjoy these bites fresh from the oven for best flavor and texture.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 07 Aug 2025 23:11:02 GMT
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with a dipping sauce. Save
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with a dipping sauce. | lilicooks.com

These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are the party snack everyone waits for. Creamy cheese mingles with jalapeno heat inside a crispy bacon hug. They are always the first to disappear during game day or family gatherings and never fail to spark conversation and hot debates over who ate the last one.

I discovered the unbeatable combo of salty bacon and cheesy jalapeno filling during a backyard BBQ. Ever since they have become my go-to when I want instant smiles at the table.

Ingredients

  • Jalapeno peppers: about three to four inches long Choose peppers that feel firm and bright green for the best crunch
  • Cream cheese: softened for easy mixing Look for full fat cream cheese for the richest texture
  • Cheddar cheese: grated sharp adds extra flavor Freshly grate your own if you can for the best melt
  • Onion powder: brings gentle savory undertones Pick a fine powder without any clumps
  • Salt: enhances all the individual components Use kosher or sea salt for best flavor
  • Freshly ground black pepper: adds a little zip and balances the richness
  • Bacon: not thick cut Thin slices wrap easily and crisp up better in the oven Choose a brand with good marbling and moderate saltiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Jalapenos:
Slice your jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to gently scrape out the seeds and white ribs. Removing the seeds keeps the heat in check and makes space for the filling.
Mix the Filling:
Combine softened cream cheese grated cheddar onion powder salt and pepper in a medium sized bowl. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed and smooth.
Fill the Jalapeno Halves:
Take each jalapeno half and use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill it with about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Press the filling in so it sits just below the rim to avoid overflowing as it bakes.
Wrap with Bacon:
Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise so you have shorter strips. Gently stretch the bacon before wrapping each pepper half tightly starting at one end and spiraling to cover as much as you can. Secure the end with a toothpick if needed.
Bake:
Place the wrapped poppers on a parchment lined baking sheet with a little space between them. Bake at four hundred degrees for twenty to twenty five minutes until the bacon is deeply browned and the filling is bubbling a bit.
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers on a plate. Save
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers on a plate. | lilicooks.com

If I had to pick a favorite it would be the freshly grated cheddar because the flavor just pops and reminds me of my grandmother who always insisted on shredding her own cheese Every time I make these we laugh remembering the many hands that have reached for just one more at our family gatherings

Storage Tips

Once cooled transfer leftover poppers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat best in a toaster oven or under the broiler so the bacon crisps up again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap cream cheese for goat cheese if you like a little tang. Monterey jack can stand in for cheddar or use a smoked cheese for an extra layer of flavor. For a lighter bite try turkey bacon but know it will not crisp quite as well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Arrange on a big platter with fresh celery and carrot sticks for color and contrast. These are fantastic next to cold drinks during a game or as a spicy start to taco night.

Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers on a plate. Save
Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers on a plate. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Jalapeno poppers likely became popular when Tex-Mex flavors started taking over American party spreads in the late twentieth century. Stuffed jalapenos have been a staple in Mexican kitchens for generations but bacon wrapping and baking bring an all American twist perfect for football season and summer barbecues.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you make jalapenos less spicy?

Remove all seeds and inner ribs from the jalapenos before stuffing to reduce their heat level significantly.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the poppers in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for the best results.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Cream cheese and cheddar combine for a creamy, rich filling, but you can experiment with blends like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

→ Should thick or thin bacon be used?

Use regular (not thick-cut) bacon, as it crisps up nicely and cooks evenly around the peppers.

→ How can you keep the bacon from unraveling?

Secure each piece of bacon with a toothpick through the pepper, or tuck the bacon ends underneath before baking.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Reheat poppers in a hot oven or air fryer until the bacon is warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep bacon texture.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Creamy, spicy jalapenos wrapped in bacon and baked to golden, cheesy perfection. Irresistible savory appetizer.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 12 Serves

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 12 jalapeno peppers, approximately 3-4 inches long
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
04 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 teaspoon pepper
07 12 slices bacon, not thick-cut

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.

Step 02

Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.

Step 05

Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper half in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.

Step 06

Arrange the peppers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and browned. Serve immediately.

Tips

  1. Do not overfill the jalapenos to prevent the cheese mixture from melting out during cooking.

Required Tools

  • Sheet pan
  • Medium bowl
  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Toothpicks

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~