Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect blend of creamy, slighly spicy and smoky flavors that no party spread should be without.
Juicy jalapeños, filled with a rich cheese mixture, are wrapped in crispy bacon for an irresistible bite-sized snack.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick appetizer, these poppers are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Highlights
- Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- A crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, potlucks, and game day.
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Customizable spice level to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Great for making ahead or even freezing for later.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
JALAPEÑOS – These are the stars of the show! Their slight heat and crunchy texture are a perfect match for the creamy filling and smoky bacon. Look for medium-sized jalapeños that are firm and smooth. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for peppers with smooth skin—those with striations (tiny cracks) tend to be spicier.
CHEESE – Cream cheese creates the creamy, tangy base of the filling. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily with the other ingredients. You can swap in low-fat cream cheese, but it won’t be quite as rich and luscious.Cheddar Cheese adds sharp, melty goodness to the filling. A bold, aged cheddar works great for extra flavor, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese. Pepper jack or smoked gouda are also delicious options.
SPICES – A subtle touch of savory garlic flavor that enhances the filling. It blends seamlessly into the mix without overpowering the other ingredients. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted garlic mashed into the cheese could be a fun upgrade. Smoked Paprika spice brings a gentle smoky depth that complements the bacon and adds a touch of warmth. Regular paprika works in a pinch, but the smoked variety really ties the flavors together.A pinch of salt elevates all the flavors in the filling, making the cheese and spices pop. Be cautious if you’re using a saltier cheese like Parmesan—you might not need as much.
BACON – The smoky, savory wrapping that makes everything better. Thin-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up nicely in the oven without leaving you with undercooked spots. You can use turkey bacon or prosciutto if you want to switch things up.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Slice the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Fill the jalapeños with the cheese mixture and wrap each with bacon.
- Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for 20–25 minutes until crispy and bubbling.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Let the poppers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between them if stacking to prevent sticking.
FREEZE – Freezing them is a great option for prepping in advance. After stuffing and wrapping the jalapeños, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen—no need to thaw—and simply add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
REHEAT – Reheating in the oven is your best bet to keep the bacon crispy. Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit, place the poppers on a baking sheet, and heat for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the bacon rubbery and the jalapeños soggy.
MAKE AHEAD – Yes, you can! Prepare the poppers by stuffing and wrapping the jalapeños the day before you need them. Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge—just add an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
Serving Suggestions
RANCH DIP – This creamy classic cools the heat of the jalapeños and complements the smoky bacon perfectly. Serve it on the side in a small bowl for easy dipping.
SOUR CREAM – Its tangy simplicity pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese filling. For an extra kick, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped chives.
SWEET CHILI SAUCE – A drizzle of this sweet and tangy sauce not only balances the spice but adds a glossy finish that makes these poppers pop on the plate.
GUACAMOLE – A dollop of creamy guacamole brings a buttery texture that plays beautifully against the crispy bacon. For extra flair, top with a sprinkle of cotija cheese or a squeeze of lime.
FRESH SALSA – The bright, zesty flavors of a homemade tomato or mango salsa create a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy poppers. It’s the perfect way to add a fresh, fruity twist to the spread.
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Recipe Success Tips
BROIL FOR THE PERFECT CRISP – If you want your bacon extra crispy, broil the poppers for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning. If you’re using thick bacon, this step is especially helpful.
CHOOSE YOUR HEAT LEVEL – To control the spice, remove all seeds and membranes for a milder popper. If you’re a spice lover, leave some seeds in or opt for extra-large jalapeños for a bigger kick.
THIN-CUT BACON IS KEY – Thin-cut bacon wraps more easily and crisps up better in the oven. Thick-cut bacon can leave you with undercooked spots, so if that’s all you have, consider pre-cooking it slightly before wrapping.
SWITCH UP THE CHEESE – Feel free to experiment with the cheese filling. Pepper jack adds a nice bit of heat, mozzarella brings a gooey texture, and gouda or sharp cheddar offer a rich, smoky flavor. You can even mix in a bit of parmesan for a salty punch.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use Thick-Cut Bacon?
Yes, but it requires a little extra care. Thick-cut bacon can take longer to cook, leaving you with underdone bacon or overdone jalapeños.
To avoid this, partially cook the bacon – about 3–5 minutes in a skillet before wrapping the jalapeños. This ensures it crisps up nicely without drying out the filling
What Can I Substitute For Bacon?
If bacon isn’t an option, you can use prosciutto for a fancy touch or turkey bacon for a leaner alternative. Both will still give you that salty, savory wrap, though prosciutto cooks faster, so keep an eye on it.
Can I Make These Less Spicy?
Yes! The spice level of the jalapeños comes from their seeds and membranes. Scrape out as much of both as possible for a milder popper.
If you want an even milder option, swap the jalapeños for mini sweet peppers—they look just as festive and are completely heat-free.
Can I Grill These Instead Of Baking?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option. Preheat your grill to medium heat to around 350° Fahrenheit, and place the poppers directly on the grill grate.
Cook for 8–10 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is me
How Do I Prevent The Cheese From Spilling Out While Baking?
The key is to avoid overfilling the jalapeños. Fill them generously but leave a small gap at the top to allow the cheese to expand without bubbling over.
Wrapping the bacon snugly around the jalapeño helps seal the edges. If any cheese does leak out, it’ll create delicious crispy bits on the baking sheet—just scoop them up and enjoy!
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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeños
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened, half block
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon avoid not thick-cut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon.
- Combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl, beat until smooth.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves, filling them generously but not overstuffing.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, overlapping slightly as you go.
- Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
Notes
Success Tips
- Wear gloves if you want to avoid spicy hands!
- If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, but don’t wait too long—they’re best warm!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.