Description
Spicy bacon-stuffed jalapeño poppers bring explosive flavor to party appetizers. Creamy cheese and crispy bacon elevate these zesty Mexican-inspired bites that you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz bacon (cooked until crispy and finely chopped)
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 3 tbsps green onions (green parts only, finely chopped)
- 12 medium jalapeño peppers (approx. 3–4 inches long, halved lengthwise and deseeded)
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slice jalapeños lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds and inner membranes while wearing protective gloves.
- Create a harmonious filling by blending cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, green onions, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Carefully distribute the filling into each jalapeño half, ensuring an even surface without overflowing. Position peppers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until cheese transforms into a golden hue, filling becomes lightly caramelized, and peppers reach a tender state.
- Rest poppers briefly after removing from oven, allowing slight cooling. Serve immediately to capture optimal flavor and crisp texture within the first 30 minutes.
Notes
- Select jalapeños with uniform size and shape to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling peppers to protect hands from spicy oils that can irritate skin.
- Remove all seeds and membranes carefully for milder poppers, leaving some for extra heat lovers.
- Pat bacon crisp and dry before crumbling to prevent excess grease in the filling mixture.
- Consider using reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising taste.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep poppers ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for convenient party appetizers.
- Low-carb dieters can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for protein-rich alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 131 kcal
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6.7 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg