Savory Bacon-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Discover the perfect appetizer with these Savory Bacon-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers! This delightful twist on traditional jalapeno poppers showcases fresh jalapenos filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and savory Mexican cheese, complemented by crispy, crumbled bacon. Instead of wrapping the jalapenos completely in bacon, we allow the vibrant flavors of the peppers to shine through while still enjoying the delicious hint of smoky bacon. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or any informal gathering, this simple recipe embodies the essence of party food without overwhelming the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
jalapenos
12 (large, halved and seeded)
cream cheese
1 cup (softened)
Mexican blend cheese
1 cup (shredded)
bacon
4 slices (thick-cut, cooked and crumbled)
panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (optional, mixed with melted butter)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to absorb excess grease and let cool. Crumble into small pieces once cooled.
2
Preheat the grill to medium heat. If you prefer, you can also use a smoker for an added depth of flavor.
3
While the bacon cools, prepare the jalapenos by slicing each one in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and veins using a teaspoon to reduce the spice level while keeping the peppers flavorful.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
5
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese and bacon mixture, ensuring not to overfill.
6
To add a crispy topping, melt butter in a small saucepan and toss with panko breadcrumbs. Optionally, you can pre-bake the breadcrumbs at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
7
Sprinkle a generous spoonful of the panko mixture on each stuffed jalapeno before grilling.
8
Grill the stuffed jalapenos for about 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are softened and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bacon-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers?
They are an appetizer consisting of fresh jalapenos filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon.
How many jalapenos are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 large jalapenos, which are then halved and seeded.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cook 4 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then cool and crumble it into small pieces.
How can I reduce the spice level of the jalapenos?
Carefully remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeno halves using a teaspoon to lower the heat.
Can I use a smoker for this recipe?
Yes, using a smoker is an option to add an extra depth of flavor to the poppers.
At what temperature should I pre-bake the breadcrumbs?
If you choose to pre-bake the panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, do so at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the stuffed jalapenos need to grill?
Grill them for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the peppers are softened and the cheese is melted.
Are these jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon?
No, instead of wrapping them, the bacon is crumbled and mixed directly into the cheese filling.
What is the benefit of putting bacon inside the filling?
It allows the vibrant flavor of the peppers to shine through while still providing a delicious smoky bacon taste.
Is there a crunchy topping for these poppers?
Yes, you can use a mixture of 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter as a crispy topping.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be left out to reach room temperature before mixing with other ingredients.
What occasions are best for serving these poppers?
They are ideal for game days, parties, or any informal social gathering.
How do I cut the jalapenos?
Each jalapeno should be sliced in half lengthwise before removing the interior seeds and veins.
What is the texture of the finished jalapenos?
The jalapenos become softened while the cheese filling becomes melted and bubbly.
How do I combine the filling ingredients?
In a mixing bowl, stir the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and shredded Mexican blend cheese until evenly mixed.
How much butter is needed for the breadcrumbs?
While the exact amount isn't specified, you melt enough butter to toss and coat the 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
What is the recommended grill setting?
The grill should be preheated to a medium heat setting.
How much cream cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cream cheese.
What quantity of Mexican blend cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
What tool is best for cleaning out the peppers?
A simple teaspoon is recommended for carefully scraping out the seeds and veins.
What is the best way to fill the jalapeno halves?
You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each half, being careful not to overfill them.
Why shouldn't I overfill the jalapenos?
Overfilling can cause the cheese mixture to spill out onto the grill as it melts and bubbles.
How many slices of bacon are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 slices of thick-cut bacon.
Are the breadcrumbs required?
No, the panko breadcrumbs are listed as an optional topping.
What size should the jalapenos be?
Large jalapenos are preferred as they are easier to stuff and provide more volume for the filling.
Should these be served hot or cold?
For the best experience, serve the poppers while they are still warm.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 5 main ingredients: jalapenos, cream cheese, Mexican blend cheese, bacon, and panko breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe that is simple enough for beginners.
What are the flavor profile tags for this dish?
Key tags include appetizer, snack, bacon, spicy, cheesy, and party food.