Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese and meat, secured with toothpicks, on a baking sheet.

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Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Fresh jalapeños are filled with a rich cheese mixture, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crisp and golden.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas, comfort food, crowd-pleaser, from the garden, game-day, holiday, homemade, jalapeño, make-ahead, party snacks, spicy, summer, Thanksgiving

Servings: poppers

Calories: 83kcal

Author: Angela Judd

Equipment

Food handling gloves
Air fryer optional

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese softened
12 jalapeño peppers
6 oz 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

Oven Instructions:

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.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Fill each jalapeño half with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture, smoothing it so it’s flush with the top of the pepper.
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.
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.
Let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm when the flavors are at their best.

Air Fryer Instructions (Optional):

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.

Notes

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.

Nutrition