Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, with their creamy and spicy filling, are the perfect game-day food. These poppers feature fresh jalapeños stuffed with cheese and wrapped with crispy bacon. They’re also baked, not fried!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – bacon makes everything better. Honestly, I had no idea these cheesy jalapeno poppers could get any better – but wrapping them in crispy bacon nailed it! If you’re looking for the perfect spicy, cheesy, and crunchy bite-sized app to serve at your Super Bowl party, you can stop your search here. These are guaranteed to be a fan favorite.
What Are Jalapeño Poppers?
Aside from being a party app favorite, jalapeño poppers are, traditionally, fresh jalapeño peppers filled with any mixture of cheese and spices. They can be fried, grilled, or baked. Typically, fried jalapeño poppers are coated in breadcrumbs. Baked or grilled versions tend to be the lighter option as they are gluten-free and low-carb.
How to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers
While I definitely crave some deep-fried snacks from time to time, these bacon jalapeño poppers are packed with flavor, and they are baked!
- Start by preheating the oven to 400˚F degrees. Then, line a sheet pan with foil and coat it with cooking spray.
- Meanwhile, slice the jalapeños in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and ribs. Next, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Then, fill each jalapeño half with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Next – bring on the bacon! Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise and wrap each pepper with one. Then, use a toothpick to secure the bacon to the popper.
- Once all of the poppers are arranged on the prepared baking sheet, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and browned.
To Make Ahead
These jalapeño poppers are super convenient because you can prepare them the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them just before serving. Alternatively, prep a batch, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, baking as needed directly from frozen for a quick and easy snack.
How to Store Leftovers
Once your poppers are baked and cooled, you can refrigerate them in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them. Be sure to cool first, then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
More Game Day Food Ideas
- Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp – Shrimp De Jonghe
- Homemade Pigs in a Blanket
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 slices bacon, don't use thick-cut
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat it with cooking spray.
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and ribs. Use gloves, if possible.
- In a medium bowl mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the prepared cheese mixture.
- Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.
- Arrange the peppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and browned.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Removing Ribs and Seeds: It’s crucial to remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeños. This step not only reduces the spiciness of the peppers but also creates the necessary space for the cheese mixture. Use a small spoon or a knife to carefully scrape out these parts.
- Wearing Gloves: Before you start working with the jalapeños, I advise you to wear gloves. This precaution protects your skin from the spicy oils of the peppers, which can cause irritation. It also prevents any accidental burning sensation if you touch sensitive areas like your eyes or nose after handling the jalapeños.
- Storage: Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
16 Comments
Gina
Jan 29, 2024 at 1:10 pmEverything is better with bacon and these were no exception. So good!
Katerina
Jan 30, 2024 at 12:50 pmAbsolutely, bacon has a way of enhancing almost any dish! I’m glad to hear that these were no exception and that you found them so enjoyable. Thank YOU! 🙂
Beth
Jan 29, 2024 at 3:25 pmI love these. They gave me every flavor I love in my popper, and that kick of smoky bacon wrapped around the outside really makes them shine.
Katerina
Jan 30, 2024 at 12:49 pmIt’s great to hear you loved the poppers with all their flavors, especially the smoky bacon on the outside. Thank YOU! 🙂
Krystle
Jan 29, 2024 at 3:59 pmSpicy, creamy, salty, we devoured these. Will make again for the super bowl!
Katerina
Jan 30, 2024 at 12:47 pmI am very happy you loved the spicy, creamy, and salty flavors and finished them all! It’s awesome that you’re planning to make them again for the Super Bowl. Thank YOU! 🙂
Janelle
Jan 29, 2024 at 4:51 pmThese were so good. I took them to a family party and they disappeared faster than I thought possible LOL.
Katerina
Jan 30, 2024 at 12:44 pmI’m thrilled to hear that they were a hit at your family party! It’s always a good sign when a dish disappears quickly. 🙂
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
Jan 30, 2024 at 3:30 amSo tasty and incredibly delicious1 Always a hit on our table!
Katerina
Jan 30, 2024 at 12:42 pmIt’s great to hear that you always enjoy the dish and it’s a favorite at your table! It’s nice to have a reliable and tasty go-to meal. Thank YOU! 🙂
Catalina
Jan 30, 2024 at 6:58 amI made these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers for a party, and they disappeared in minutes! The spicy jalapeno with the creamy cheese and crispy bacon was a fantastic combination.
Katerina
Jan 30, 2024 at 12:40 pmGreat to hear your Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers were a hit at the party! I am very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Melissa
Jan 30, 2024 at 4:11 pmI made your recipe last weekend during the football games and everyone absolutely love them!
Katerina
Jan 31, 2024 at 2:12 pmIt’s great to hear the recipe was a hit during the football games! I’m very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Allyson
Jan 31, 2024 at 6:57 amPerfect for game day! These are my favorite!!!
Katerina
Jan 31, 2024 at 1:58 pmI’m thrilled to hear they’re your favorite and perfect for game day! Thank YOU! 🙂