Jalapeno Poppers
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Bacon Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate “I didn’t know I needed this” snack. We’re talking crispy bacon, melty cheese, and just enough jalapeño heat to make you feel alive—without sweating through your shirt. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears faster than you can say, “Wait, who brought these?”
These are easily at the top of my favorite appetizers! Simple to make and insanely delicious. Need even more snack type foods? Try my Pizza Roll-Ups, Street Corn Dip, or Air Fryer Buffalo Wings!
What Makes This Recipe a Keeper
- Easy party appetizers – These poppers are quick to prep and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Game day snacks – Perfect for tailgating or watching the big game from the couch.
- Make-ahead appetizers – Prep them in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Holiday appetizer recipes – Fancy-looking without the fuss—great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, these baked jalapeno poppers are it. They’ve got the perfect combo of creamy cheese, just the right amount of heat, and crispy bacon wrapped around every bite. Whether you’re hosting game night or need a quick win for a potluck, these are always the first to disappear.
The best part? They’re shockingly easy to make with just five ingredients. No deep frying, no fancy tools—just a quick mix, stuff, wrap, and bake. You’ll be hooked after the first batch (and probably asked to bring them to every party forever).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need five simple ingredients to make the best jalapeno poppers, and each one pulls serious weight. Let’s break down the dream team that makes this spicy, cheesy snack so addictive:
- Cream Cheese – Go with full-fat for the creamiest, richest filling. Let it soften at room temp for easier mixing.
- Garlic Powder – A little goes a long way to boost flavor without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds that melty, tangy bite. Pre-shredded works, but fresh grated melts better.
- Jalapeños – Choose medium-sized peppers that feel firm. Want less heat? Scrape out the seeds and membranes.
- Bacon – Thin-cut bacon crisps up best and wraps around the peppers like a salty hug. Toothpicks help keep it all together.
That’s it! Simple, crowd-pleasing ingredients that come together for a snack people will fight over. Ready to get wrapping?
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
These bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos are always the first thing to disappear at any get-together—and for good reason. They’re spicy, creamy, crispy, and basically everything you want in a party snack. Plus, they look impressive without any actual effort. Win-win.
Ease:
This recipe is low-effort, high-reward. It takes just minutes to prep, and you don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients.
Tip from Jesseca:
Want picture-perfect poppers? Use a piping bag to fill the jalapeños—it’s faster, neater, and way more satisfying.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to mix things up or tweak the heat? These poppers are super flexible—here are some easy ways to switch them up without sacrificing flavor:
- Swap the Cheese – No cheddar? Try pepper jack for extra kick or mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Turn Down the Heat – Use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños if you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks (aka, kids or your Midwestern aunt).
- Level Up the Filling – Add a little cooked sausage, green onions, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mix for extra flavor.
- Make ’em Vegetarian – Skip the bacon and add a smoky touch with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the filling.
- Air Fryer Friendly – Cut down cook time by tossing them in the air fryer! Just keep an eye on that bacon to make sure it crisps, not burns.
The beauty of these poppers? You can totally customize them based on what’s in your fridge or who’s coming over.
How To Make Jalapeno Poppers In Oven
These Bacon Jalapeño Poppers come together in just a few simple steps—perfect for when you need a no-fuss appetizer that still delivers major flavor.
- Make the filling: Mix softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Prep the jalapeños: Slice your jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each half with the cheese mixture and press the halves back together.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each jalapeño with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F for about 12–15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
That’s it! Crispy, cheesy, spicy little bites of heaven—ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Make Ahead:
You can prep these poppers up to a day in advance! Just stuff, wrap, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge (uncooked). When you’re ready to party, pop them in the oven—no extra steps needed. - Storage:
Leftovers? (Rare, but it happens.) Store cooked poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the bacon crisp—microwaving makes them a little soggy. - Freezer Option:
You can freeze them before baking! Place assembled poppers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 18–20 minutes or until hot and crispy.
Tips and FAQs
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nope! Wrap it raw—it’ll cook and crisp right in the oven. Thin-cut bacon works best for even crispiness.
Not really! Removing the seeds and membranes takes out most of the heat. Want it spicier? Leave a few seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
Definitely. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbly.
Yes! Freeze unbaked poppers on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 18–20 minutes.
No biggie—just tuck the bacon ends under the popper or place them seam-side down. They’ll stay wrapped just fine as they bake.
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Oven Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup cheddar
- 12 jalapenos
- 6 slices bacon (cut in half)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes (tip: wear gloves if you’re sensitive to heat).
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, smoothing the top with a spoon or butter knife. Gently press the halves back together.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon. If needed, secure with a toothpick to keep everything in place.
- Place on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and starting to crisp. For extra crispy bacon, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (just watch closely!).
- Let the poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. They’ll be hot, cheesy, and totally irresistible.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
