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
Scale
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Place poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for oven baking, or directly in the air fryer basket.
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.
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.