Amazing Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

You know, sometimes the best way to get a party started is with a killer appetizer, right? And when it comes to must-have party snacks, nothing beats the addictive combo of Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. Seriously, they’re like a flavor explosion begging to be devoured! You get that kick from the jalapeño, that cool, creamy cheese filling, and then that smoky, salty crunch from the bacon – it’s just the perfect bite. Here at Recipes To Keep, we’re all about those recipes that become cherished traditions, the ones that just feel like home. I’ve spent countless hours in my kitchen, just like my grandma Eleanor, testing and tweaking things to make sure these classic flavors are just right. That’s why I know you’re going to love these poppers; they’re simple, satisfying, and totally worth sharing – though I won’t blame you if you keep them all to yourself! You can even follow along with us on Facebook for more kitchen adventures.

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Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are an absolute winner, and here’s why:

• Super Easy to Make: Seriously, you can whip these up in no time, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasers Guaranteed: Everyone goes nuts for that spicy, creamy, salty combo!
• Flavor Packed: You get that satisfying kick from the jalapeños, balanced by a dreamy cheese filling and crispy bacon.
• So Versatile: Perfect for game day, holidays, or just a Tuesday – they fit any occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these amazing little bites! It’s really not a long list, which is part of why I love them so much for impromptu get-togethers. Here’s the lowdown: you’ll want about a dozen nice, good-sized jalapeño peppers – pick the ones that look plump and firm. Then, grab 8 ounces of cream cheese, make sure it’s softened up so it’s easy to mix. We’ll also need half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that extra gooey factor. For seasoning, a quarter teaspoon each of garlic powder and salt, and just an eighth of a teaspoon of black pepper is perfect. Now, the star of the show: 12 slices of standard-cut bacon. Trust me, standard cut is the way to go here – it crisps up SO nicely without being too thick or too thin! You might need a few toothpicks too, just to help keep everything tucked in place.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Okay, so making these poppers is actually super straightforward, even though they taste like something you’d get at a fancy party! It all starts with getting everything prepped just right. First things first, let’s get our oven cranked up to 400°F (200°C) or if you’re using an air fryer, set that bad boy to 375°F (190°C). That way, everything’s ready to go the moment your poppers are assembled.

Preparing the Jalapeños for Your Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Now, this is important! When you’re cutting into those jalapeños, it’s a really good idea to wear some gloves. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way – that little bit of pepper juice can really sting your eyes later if you’re not careful! Just slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. You’ll see a little ridge of seeds and white membrane inside; that’s where most of the heat lives. You can scrape that out with a small spoon or even the tip of a paring knife. If you like things really mild, get all of it out. For a little more kick, leave a tiny bit in!

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Filling

Next up is making that delicious cheese filling! It’s so simple. Just grab a bowl and toss in your softened cream cheese, that shredded cheddar, and your garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Now, you can use a fork, but I honestly prefer just getting in there with my hands (clean hands, of course!) or a sturdy spoon to really mash it all together. You want it to be super smooth and perfectly combined, no lumps allowed! This mixture is going to be the creamy heart of our popper.

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Stuffing and Wrapping Your Jalapeño Poppers

Here’s where it all comes together! Spoon a good amount of that cheesy mixture into each jalapeño half. Don’t be shy with it! Then, take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeño. You want to wrap it snugly, going around once or twice to cover the pepper. If the bacon slice is a little long and wants to wiggle free, that’s where a toothpick comes in handy. Just pop a toothpick right through the bacon and into the pepper to hold it all together. It’s like a little edible hug for the jalapeño!

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Oven vs. Air Fryer: Cooking Your Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

So, you’ve got these beauties all stuffed and wrapped, and now comes the fun part: cooking them! You’ve got two awesome options, and honestly, both work like a charm for making perfect bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers oven vs air fryer style. If you’re going the oven route, bake ’em at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You want that bacon to get beautifully golden and crispy. For the air fryer folks, you’ll want to set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for around 12-15 minutes. The trick with the air fryer is giving them a little flip halfway through to make sure that bacon crisps up evenly all around. Both methods are great, and if you’re looking for more air fryer tips, maybe check out some of my other recipes like these Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts! Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Bacon on Your Poppers

Okay, let’s talk crispiness! Because nobody wants sad, floppy bacon on their poppers. The secret to achieving that perfect crunch, and answering that age-old question of how to keep bacon crisp on poppers, really comes down to a few things I’ve figured out. First, standard-cut bacon is your friend here; thin-cut sometimes burns before it gets crispy, and thick-cut just takes forever. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket! Give them a little breathing room so the hot air can circulate all around the bacon. I find placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in the oven helps the bottom get just as crisp as the top. It’s all about that airflow!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Jalapeño Poppers

You know, picking the right cheese for your filling is half the fun! While the classic combo of cream cheese and cheddar is amazing, I’ve played around a bit with the cream cheese vs cheddar filling dilemma. Sometimes I’ll swap out half the cream cheese for some softened goat cheese – it adds this really lovely tang that’s just delicious with the spice. And definitely don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses! A sharp Monterey Jack or even a bit of pepper jack could be fantastic additions if you want to amp up the flavor even more.

Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Hosting a big game or a party? Don’t stress! You can totally get these make ahead and reheat poppers ready to go hours before your guests arrive. Just stuff and wrap ’em, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them onto your baking sheet or into the air fryer. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be starting out cold, but that’s it! It means you get to actually enjoy your party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Approximate Jalapeño Poppers Calories Each

So, you’re probably wondering just how many calories we’re packing into these delicious little guys, right? When it comes to jalapeño poppers calories each, it really depends on the size of your jalapeño and, of course, the bacon you use. Based on the standard recipe with the cream cheese and cheddar filling, I’d say you’re looking at around 100 to 120 calories per popper. It’s just an estimate, of course, but it gives you a good idea!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Got questions? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to have a little extra info when you’re whipping up a new treat. If you’re curious about making these even spicier, don’t worry! You can totally leave some of those seeds and membranes in when you’re prepping the jalapeños. Just remember to rinse your gloves afterward! And if you find yourself without toothpicks, no sweat – you can usually just tuck the end of the bacon under itself to secure it when you wrap. I’ve tried it, and it works! As for cheese, while I love the cream cheese and cheddar combo, feel free to play around! A sharp Monterey Jack or even some pepper jack can add a nice kick. For more appetizer inspiration, maybe check out my appetizer section for more ideas!

Serving Suggestions for Your Game Day Jalapeño Poppers

If you’re putting together a serious spread, these game day jalapeño poppers are just the start! They are honestly one of my favorite bacon wrapped appetizers because they can go with almost anything. For a real showstopper, you’ve gotta have a big dish of my 7-Layer Taco Dip nearby – everyone always goes crazy for it! And if you need something a little more substantial, some mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are always a hit. It’s all about building that perfect party snack platter where everyone can grab a little bit of everything!

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Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

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Spicy and salty jalapeño poppers wrapped in crispy bacon, filled with a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for game day or any party.

• Author: Caroline Hayes
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 24 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking/Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 12 large jalapeño peppers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 slices bacon, standard cut
• Toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
6. Place poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for oven baking, or directly in the air fryer basket.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven, or air fry for 12-15 minutes, until bacon is crisp and golden brown. Turn halfway through cooking for even crisping.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For less heat, remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños.
• If you don’t have toothpicks, you can sometimes tuck the end of the bacon under itself to secure it.
• To make ahead, prepare the poppers up to the wrapping stage, cover, and refrigerate. Bake or air fry as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Calories per popper are approximately 100-120, depending on the size of the jalapeño and bacon used.
• You can substitute half the cream cheese with softened goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 popper
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg