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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe Easy Cream Cheese Filling

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers feature a creamy, spicy cream cheese filling and are perfect for parties or game day. The smoky bacon crisps up beautifully, complementing the rich and tangy filling for an addictive snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 medium fresh jalapeños
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 8 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks for securing bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes as desired.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, leveling the filling with the top of the pepper.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon, overlapping slightly, and secure with a toothpick.
  6. Place the poppers bacon-side up on the wire rack with space between each for air circulation.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching closely during the last 5 minutes until bacon is crispy and filling is bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Let poppers cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Wrapping raw bacon and baking on a wire rack ensures crispy bacon without sogginess. Remove seeds for less heat or leave some for extra spice. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if needed. Poppers can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, cream cheese filling, appetizer, party snack, game day food, spicy snack