Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Cream Cheese Poppers
These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño cream cheese poppers combine smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños for a quick and easy crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and game days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers (12 jalapeños halved) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded (or leave seeds for more heat)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 slices bacon, thin-cut preferred
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes for milder heat. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half evenly with the cream cheese mixture without overfilling.
- Cut bacon slices in half if needed and wrap one piece snugly around each stuffed jalapeño half. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place poppers on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or directly on a foil-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crisp and jalapeños have softened slightly. Watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top immediately after baking.
- Let poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. Dry jalapeños well before stuffing to prevent sogginess. Use thin-cut bacon for faster crisping. If bacon isn’t crisping fully, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, cream cheese, appetizer, party snack, spicy snack, easy recipe