Jalapeno Poppers

These bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are filled with a creamy cheddar cheese mixture, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked until hot and crispy. With only four ingredients, they are an easy appetizer that always disappears quickly!

These bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers combine crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of heat. They’re easy to make ahead and perfect for game day, parties, or backyard barbecues. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

If you love easy appetizer recipes like this one, try my Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, cheesy Pizza Cupcakes, cream cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, classic Deviled Eggs, or this simple Sour Cream Dip.

Ingredients You Will Need

• fresh jalapeno peppers: halved and seeded, is the perfect base for a cheesy filling.
• cream cheese: softened to room temperature, gives the poppers a creamy fillings.
• shredded cheddar cheese: adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• strips of bacon: because bacon makes everything better.
• Note: If using smaller jalapenos, you can cut the bacon slices in half and use to wrap the jalapenos instead of a whole piece. 

For the full list of ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below.

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Jalapeño Popper Variations

This easy recipe can be changed with different cheeses, seasonings, and fillings.

• Change the cheese: Replace some or all of the cheddar with pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Add seasoning: Stir garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or everything bagel seasoning into the filling.
• Make loaded poppers: Add cooked crumbled sausage, extra bacon pieces, or finely chopped green onions.
• Make them milder: Remove all the seeds and white membranes, or use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños.
• Add more heat: Leave a few seeds or some of the membrane inside each pepper.
• Add sweetness: Brush the bacon lightly with maple syrup or sprinkle it with brown sugar before baking.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove all of the seeds and membranes.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Use a fork or small spoon to fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.

3. Starting at one end, wrap the jalapeno with a slice of bacon, then secure with a toothpick. 

4. Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Jalapeño Poppers

• Wear disposable gloves: Jalapeño oils can remain on your skin and cause burning, especially if you touch your eyes afterward.
• Choose similar-sized peppers: This helps all the poppers finish cooking at about the same time.
• Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese is difficult to combine evenly with the shredded cheddar.
• Do not overfill them: The cheese expands and bubbles as it bakes, so leave a little room at the top.
• Use regular-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon can take longer to crisp than the peppers take to cook.
• For crispier bacon: Place the poppers on an oven-safe wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate underneath them.
• Broil briefly if needed: If the peppers are tender but the bacon needs more color, broil them for an extra minute or two. Watch them carefully so they do not burn.
• Let them rest: Waiting five minutes before serving gives the filling time to set slightly.

Variations

• Loaded Poppers: Add other meats to the cheese mixture like additional crumbled bacon, crumbled sausage or ground beef, for a heartier version.
• Cheesy Poppers: Switch up the types of cheeses you use to stuff the peppers for flavor variety. 
• Veggie Poppers: For extra veggies, chop up green onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, or cherry tomatoes, to add to your filling.
• Add Spice: For another flavor option, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese mixture. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper too. I think the jalapenos add enough flavor on their own, so it’s personal taste preference. 
• Use Flavored Bacon: Try bacon with a different flavor like maple bourbon or smoked hickory, for an added flavor to the jalapeno poppers.

FAQ’S