If you’re on the lookout for a seriously addictive snack that packs a punch, you’ve got to try this Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe. These poppers are the perfect marriage of smoky, creamy, cheesy, and spicy all wrapped up in crispy, golden bacon. They’re incredibly easy to make yet bursting with flavor, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting game day, a casual get-together, or just need a tasty bite to brighten your day. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient in this Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering those incredible layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of the cheeses to the fiery jalapenos perfectly balanced by smoky bacon, these ingredients come together beautifully to create magic.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides the smooth, creamy base that balances the heat of the jalapenos.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, tangy bite and beautiful melty texture.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, shredded): Brings a subtle nutty depth and extra cheesiness.
- Garlic (1 clove, smashed and minced): Infuses a mild aromatic kick, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates every ingredient and balances the heat perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice note to complement the smoky seasonings.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the smoky flavor, working hand-in-hand with the bacon.
- Cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Boosts flavor without overpowering heat; optional if you prefer milder poppers.
- Jalapenos (12): The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable spicy crunch.
- Bacon (12 slices, not thick cut): Wraps everything up in crispy, salty goodness.
- Toothpicks: Essential to keep the bacon snug around the poppers while baking.
- Ranch dressing (for dipping): The ideal cool and creamy dipping sauce to balance the spice.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your poppers cook evenly, crisping the bacon to perfection while gently melting the cheese inside.
Step 2: Setup Your Baking Station
Line a large baking sheet with foil for simple cleanup, then place an oven-safe cooling rack on top. This little trick lets the bacon cook without sitting in its own grease, so your poppers stay crispy and never soggy—such a game-changer for texture!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until super smooth and creamy. Then add your cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Beat everything together until beautifully blended into a flavorful, cheesy filling that’s bursting with personality.
Step 4: Prepare the Jalapenos
Slice each jalapeno in half vertically, keeping the stems intact to hold the filling in place (trust me, they’re little natural lids). If you want to avoid tears and burning from the peppers, put on gloves or be sure to wash your hands well afterward. Using a spoon or knife, carefully scoop out all the seeds and white membranes. Remember, if you want a bigger kick, leaving some seeds in is the way to go.
Step 5: Fill and Wrap
Gently spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeno half. Don’t overfill or you’ll have cheesy spillage, but honestly, some overflow means crispy cheese treats on your baking sheet and no one’s complaining! Cut each bacon slice in half, then wrap each stuffed jalapeno tightly with one bacon half and secure it with a toothpick.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place your poppers on the prepared cooling rack and bake for 17 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The goal is to get bacon crispy but not burnt. If you love an extra golden finish, slide the oven rack to the top and broil for 1-2 minutes—but watch closely so they don’t burn. Your kitchen will smell irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the poppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re absolutely divine warm or even at room temperature, which makes them a total party favorite! Serve with ranch dressing for dipping to add a creamy, refreshing contrast to the spicy, cheesy morsels.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the poppers for a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbal note. A little squeeze of lime juice right before serving also brightens the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These poppers shine as a standalone snack but pair beautifully with classic pub sides like crispy fries, a fresh coleslaw, or a chilled veggie platter to balance the richness and heat. They’re also great alongside burgers or grilled chicken for a fun appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of different dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or blue cheese. Or, for a fun party trend, serve them skewered on a large platter with fresh herbs and colorful jalapeno slices as decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay tasty, although reheating is recommended to bring back that crispy bacon texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the prepared but uncooked poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the poppers on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that bacon crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the cream cheese base.
How spicy are these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by how many seeds and membranes you remove from the jalapenos. Removing all seeds gives a mild smoky flavor, while leaving some will pack more of a spicy punch.
Is it necessary to use a cooling rack when baking?
Using a cooling rack helps keep the bacon crispy by letting the grease drip away. If you bake the poppers directly on foil, they can get soggy from resting in their own fat, which is less desirable.
Can these be made vegetarian?
While bacon is key to this recipe’s iconic flavor, you can replace it with non-meat alternatives like tempeh bacon or omit it entirely. The cheesy jalapeno filling alone is delicious, but the bacon adds that irresistible savory crunch.
How long do you bake the poppers for?
Generally, 17 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit works perfectly. The poppers are done when the bacon crisps up to your liking, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe truly ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable appetizer that’s both simple and sensational. Whether you’re new to cooking jalapeno poppers or a seasoned fan, these will impress every time with their perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and smoky crunch. Go ahead and try making a batch—they’re sure to become your favorite party starter and a constant request at every gathering!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon are a deliciously spicy appetizer featuring creamy cheese-filled jalapenos wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfectly baked to achieve a crispy exterior with a smooth and flavorful filling, these poppers are ideal for parties or snacks, served warm or at room temperature with ranch dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 clove garlic, smashed and minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Main Ingredients
- 12 jalapenos
- 12 slices bacon (not thick cut)
- Toothpicks
- Ranch dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for baking the poppers.
- Prepare Baking Setup: Line a large baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack on top to allow grease to drain and keep the poppers crispy.
- Make Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Seasonings: Add cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the cream cheese, then blend thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare Jalapenos: Slice jalapenos in half vertically, keeping the stems intact to prevent filling from spilling out.
- Remove Seeds and Membranes: Use a serrated knife and spoon to remove all seeds and white membranes; leaving some will increase spiciness.
- Fill Jalapenos: Spoon about a tablespoon or less of the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, avoiding overfilling to prevent overflow during baking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half, wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a bacon piece, and secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared cooling rack.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 17-25 minutes, checking early to ensure bacon reaches desired crispiness. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes on the top oven rack to brown the bacon further, watching carefully.
- Serve: Let the poppers cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Wearing disposable gloves while handling jalapenos is recommended to avoid skin irritation and accidental eye contact with capsaicin.
- Using a cooling rack during baking prevents sogginess by allowing bacon grease to drip away from the poppers.
- These poppers can be frozen before baking; simply wrap and store them for later use.
- Cayenne pepper adds flavor depth but not significant heat; omit if sensitive to spice.
- To achieve crispier bacon, consider broiling for a brief time but watch closely to prevent burning.
