Cajun Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Spice up your appetizer game with these Cajun Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers! A burst of creamy goodness awaits inside each jalapeño half, with a blend of smooth cream cheese and sharp cheddar, seasoned with zesty Cajun spices. Wrapped in thick-cut bacon and baked to perfection, these poppers make for an irresistible snack that's sure to impress your guests. Whether tailgating or hosting a casual gathering, they will disappear quickly, so make sure to keep extras on hand!
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
jalapeno peppers
8 large (Cut in half lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed)
cream cheese
3 ounces (Softened)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Finely shredded)
cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (N/A)
bacon
8 slices (Thick-cut, cut in half widthwise)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove the seeds and inner membranes. For a milder flavor, make sure to remove as much of the membrane as you can.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, finely shredded cheddar cheese, and Cajun seasoning until well combined and creamy.
4
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, generously stuff each jalapeño half with about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cheese mixture.
5
Cut the bacon slices in half widthwise to create shorter strips. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon halves for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to render fat but are not fully crispy.
6
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a piece of partially cooked bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold it in place.
7
Arrange the poppers on a wire rack set over a shallow baking pan to allow for even cooking and grease drainage.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
9
Once cooked, carefully remove and discard the toothpicks. Serve immediately for a delightful, warm, and cheesy appetizer.
Nutrition Information
4.1g
Fat
0.6g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cajun Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?
Cajun Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a spicy appetizer featuring jalapeño halves filled with a creamy cheese mixture seasoned with Cajun spices, then wrapped in thick-cut bacon and baked until crispy.
How many jalapeños are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 large jalapeño peppers.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling consists of 3 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the poppers.
How should the jalapeños be prepared?
Carefully cut the peppers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds and inner membranes.
How can I make the poppers less spicy?
To achieve a milder flavor, ensure you remove as much of the inner membrane as possible when cleaning the jalapeños.
What type of bacon should I use?
Thick-cut bacon is recommended for this recipe, with each slice cut in half widthwise.
Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
Yes, cook the bacon halves in a skillet for about 3-4 minutes until they start to render fat but are not yet crispy.
How much filling goes into each jalapeño half?
Each jalapeño half should be stuffed with approximately 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cheese mixture.
How do I keep the bacon from falling off?
Wrap each stuffed pepper with a piece of partially cooked bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
What is the best way to arrange the poppers for baking?
Arrange the poppers on a wire rack set over a shallow baking pan to allow for even cooking and grease drainage.
How long do the jalapeño poppers need to bake?
Bake them in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
What is the final indicator that the poppers are done?
They are ready when the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
Should I remove the toothpicks before serving?
Yes, carefully remove and discard the toothpicks once the poppers are cooked.
How many calories are in one popper?
Each popper contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.1 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this appetizer?
There are 0.6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per popper?
Each popper provides 2.25 grams of protein.
How much Cajun seasoning is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for party guests?
Yes, these poppers are an irresistible snack that is perfect for tailgating or casual gatherings.
Can I prepare the cheese mixture in advance?
Yes, you can blend the cream cheese, cheddar, and Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl ahead of time.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include appetizer, snack, spicy, bacon, jalapeño poppers, cajun, party food, and finger food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Cajun seasoning, and bacon.
Can I use a piping bag for the filling?
Yes, you can use either a small spoon or a piping bag to generously stuff each jalapeño half.
What happens if I don't use a wire rack?
While possible, a wire rack is recommended to allow grease to drain away and ensure the bacon gets crisp on all sides.
Are these served hot or cold?
They should be served immediately while warm and cheesy for the best experience.
What is the description of the flavor profile?
It is described as a burst of creamy goodness with a blend of smooth cream cheese and sharp cheddar, seasoned with zesty Cajun spices.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, which will be halved to make 16 pieces.
What should I do if the bacon isn't getting crispy?
Ensure the oven is preheated to 350°F and that you are using a wire rack to allow heat to circulate under the poppers.