Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

When your garden rewards you with a bumper crop of jalapeños, there’s only one thing to do: make bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. These crowd-pleasers pack a creamy, smoky, and occasionally spicy punch. Because jalapeño heat levels can vary, each pepper is a fun surprise. Some peppers bring a mild heat, while others deliver a serious kick. My family loves them.

Not growing your own jalepeños? Give it a try! Learn how to grow peppers in this guide.

Article Index:

• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
• Handling Jalapeños Safely
• Controlling Jalepeño Heat Levels
• Filling Variations
• Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Option
• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: 24 poppers

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 12 large jalapeño peppers
• 6 ounces sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 12 slices center-cut bacon (not thick-cut)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a rack on top—this setup lets the bacon grease drain off the poppers as they cook and makes cleanup easier. Halve the jalapeños lengthwise. For a milder bite, remove the seeds and ribs; for more heat, leave more in.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each jalapeño half with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture, smoothing it so it’s flush with the top of the pepper.
4. Wrap in Bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a piece of bacon, tucking the ends underneath. Use a toothpick to keep it in place.
5. Bake: Arrange the peppers cut-side up on the prepared rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the filling is bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Cool and Serve: Let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm when the flavors are at their best.

Handling Jalapeños Safely

Jalapeño oils can cling to your skin and cause intense burning sensations—especially if you accidentally rub your eyes. For painless prep, wear gloves when handling jalapeños. If you do work barehanded, wash thoroughly with soap and water afterward and avoid touching your face. In a pinch, coating your hands with a bit of cooking oil before handling the peppers can form a temporary barrier, but gloves are your best bet.

Controlling Jalepeño Heat Levels

Not all jalapeños are created equal. Generally, younger, smaller peppers or those with tiny brownish striations (stretch marks) can be hotter. To reduce the heat, remove the white ribs and seeds. If you enjoy a spicy surprise, leave more of the seeds and membrane intact. If you’re still looking for milder heat, you can also opt for jalapeños labeled as “cool” or “mild.”

Wondering how peppers stack up heat-wise against other peppers? This guide to types of peppers gives you all the details.

Filling Variations

While the classic cream cheese and cheddar mixture is always a hit, there’s plenty of room for customization:

• Extra Flavor: Add a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a handful of chopped green onions or I’itoi onions.
• Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda.
• Fresh Herbs: Fold in chopped cilantro, parsley, or garlic chives for fresh flavor.

Mix and match until you find your perfect blend.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Option

Want to skip the oven? Try the air fryer for equally delicious results:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the prepared, bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly.
• Let them cool slightly before serving.

This method saves a bit of time and delivers a wonderfully crisp bacon exterior.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Storage and Make-Ahead Tip

Make Ahead: Stuff and wrap the peppers up to a day before. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

Storage: Leftover poppers keep in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Try this pomegranate jalepeño cream cheese dip if you want another appetizer to serve alongside these poppers.

Whether your jalapeños are mild or scorchingly hot, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers turn your garden bounty into a delicious treat. Try them for your next gathering, and watch as they disappear in no time.

Recipe Source:

• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe– How to Bake Jalapeño Poppers | The Kitchn.

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