Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Indulge in the ultimate appetizer with these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, where the creamy, tangy filling melds perfectly with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon and the vibrant essence of fresh jalapeños. This crowd-pleasing recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, as the richness of cream cheese and the crunch of bacon harmonize to elevate the slightly spicy jalapeño. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering, these poppers are sure to be the star of the show, vanishing quickly from the platter. Enjoy them warm and watch as your guests savor each and every bite!
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh jalapenos
15 (halved and seeded)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
minced onions
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
thin sliced bacon
15 slices (cut in half)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove all seeds and membranes to reduce heat—be thorough for the best results!
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced onions, and garlic salt. Mix until well blended.
4
Generously spoon the creamy mixture into each jalapeño half, ensuring they are filled to the top.
5
Take a half strip of bacon and wrap it securely around each stuffed jalapeño, tucking in the ends underneath for a neat presentation.
6
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet to allow for even cooking and to catch any drippings.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crisp.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reduce the heat level of the jalape!o poppers?
To minimize spice, carefully remove all seeds and membranes from the jalape!o halves before stuffing.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350!F (175!C) for even cooking.
How long do the bacon-wrapped poppers need to bake?
Bake them for approximately 45 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crisp.
What kind of bacon is best for this recipe?
Thin sliced bacon is recommended as it wraps easily and crisps up well in the oven.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 individual jalape!o poppers.
What is the filling made of?
The creamy filling consists of softened cream cheese, minced onions, and garlic salt.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix with the onions and garlic salt.
How do I prepare the jalape!os?
Slice each jalape!o in half lengthwise and remove the internal seeds and membranes.
Why should I use a wire rack for baking?
A wire rack allows heat to circulate around the bacon for even crisping and lets drippings fall away.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Wrap the bacon securely around the pepper and tuck the ends underneath the popper before placing it on the rack.
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the poppers and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake them.
How much garlic salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt.
How many jalape!os do I need to buy?
You will need 15 fresh jalape!os, which will be halved to make 30 poppers.
Is there a specific way to cut the bacon?
Yes, take 15 slices of thin bacon and cut each slice in half to create 30 smaller strips.
What should I do after taking them out of the oven?
Let the poppers cool slightly before serving so the filling sets and guests don't burn themselves.
Can I add other spices to the cream cheese?
While the recipe calls for garlic salt and minced onions, you can experiment with smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor.
Are these poppers suitable for parties?
Absolutely, they are described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer and perfect for game days or gatherings.
What size should the jalape!os be?
Medium to large jalape!os work best as they provide enough space for a generous amount of filling.
Can I use onion powder instead of minced onions?
Yes, though minced onions provide a bit of texture, onion powder can be used as a substitute if needed.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
If you use a wire rack over the cookie sheet, greasing the sheet is not necessary as it only serves to catch drippings.
How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?
Using thin bacon and a wire rack at 350!F for 45 minutes ensures maximum crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Cream cheese provides the classic tangy base, but some people like mixing in a bit of sharp cheddar for variety.
Is it necessary to wear gloves when handling jalape!os?
It is highly recommended to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation or accidentally getting capsaicin in your eyes.
What if my bacon isn't crisp after 45 minutes?
You can leave them in for a few extra minutes or briefly turn on the broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to maintain the crispness of the bacon; microwaving may make them soggy.
Can I grill these instead of baking them?
Yes, the tags suggest grilling is an option, though you should monitor them closely to prevent the bacon from causing flare-ups.
What category of food does this fall into?
These are categorized as a Spicy Appetizer and Finger Food.
Should I use toothpicks to hold the bacon?
While the recipe suggests tucking the ends, you can use toothpicks if you find the bacon is sliding off during preparation.
How much cream cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese.