Savory Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Indulge in these mouthwatering Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, a delightful blend of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños all wrapped in crispy bacon. This recipe transforms leftover jalapeños into irresistible appetizers or snacks that are perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a fun night in. With a creamy filling that balances the heat of the peppers and the smoky flavor of the bacon, these poppers are sure to be a hit. Prepare them ahead of time and let them chill in the fridge, ensuring the cheese stays firm and doesn’t ooze out while baking. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Jalapeños
9 (Wash and cut in half lengthwise; remove seeds and white membrane.)
Low-Fat Cream Cheese
1 ounce (Softened.)
Ranch Dressing
1/4 cup (Pre-made.)
Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded.)
Bacon
6 slices (Cut into thirds.)
Instructions
1
Put on plastic gloves. Wash the outside of the jalapeños thoroughly and cut off the tops.
2
Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully deseed them, removing as much of the white membrane as possible for a milder flavor.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed and creamy.
4
Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half, securing the ends if necessary.
6
Place the wrapped jalapeños on a rack set over a plate to catch any drippings during cooking.
7
Refrigerate the poppers for at least 3 hours to allow the cheese to firm up, or freeze for 15 minutes if you're short on time.
8
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9
Position a rack inside a rimmed baking sheet to catch grease from the bacon.
10
Bake the jalapeño poppers for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?
They are a delicious appetizer consisting of jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy cheese and ranch mixture, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crispy.
How many jalapeños do I need for this recipe?
You will need 9 fresh jalapeños, which will be cut in half to create 18 poppers.
Why should I wear plastic gloves when preparing jalapeños?
Wearing gloves protects your skin from the spicy oils (capsaicin) in the peppers, which can cause irritation or burning sensations.
How do I make the jalapeño poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, carefully remove all the seeds and as much of the white internal membrane as possible before stuffing.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of softened low-fat cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
Is ranch dressing included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of ranch dressing is mixed into the cheese filling for extra flavor.
How should I prepare the bacon for wrapping?
You should take 6 slices of bacon and cut each slice into thirds to create enough pieces for the 18 jalapeño halves.
Do I need to secure the bacon with toothpicks?
The recipe suggests securing the ends if necessary, though the bacon usually stays in place if wrapped tightly.
Why is it important to refrigerate the poppers before baking?
Refrigerating for at least 3 hours allows the cheese mixture to firm up, which prevents it from oozing out during the baking process.
Can I speed up the chilling process?
Yes, if you are short on time, you can place the prepared poppers in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of the fridge.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the jalapeño poppers need to bake?
Bake them for approximately 30 minutes or until the bacon reaches a crispy, golden-brown texture.
Should I use a baking rack?
Yes, placing a rack inside a rimmed baking sheet helps catch grease and allows air to circulate for crispier bacon.
Can I use full-fat cream cheese instead of low-fat?
Absolutely, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese with full-fat cream cheese if you prefer a richer flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the serving count depends on appetite, the recipe makes 18 individual popper halves.
What should I serve with these poppers?
They are excellent on their own or served with an extra side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
Are these poppers suitable for game days?
Yes, they are a perfect snack for game days, parties, or any casual gathering.
Can I prepare these a day in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and wrap them a day early and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
What if I don't have a baking rack?
You can bake them directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, though you may need to drain excess grease halfway through.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
How do I store leftover poppers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
To keep the bacon crispy, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your ranch dressing and bacon to be sure.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, though it may have a different texture and shorter cooking time.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix with the other ingredients for a smooth filling.
What size jalapeños are best?
Medium-sized jalapeños are usually best for poppers as they provide a good balance of pepper and filling.
Can I freeze these after baking?
It is possible, but the texture of the jalapeño and bacon may soften upon thawing and reheating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: jalapeños, cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
What is the description of the final product?
They are a mouthwatering blend of creamy cheese and spicy peppers wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon.
How do I ensure the cheese doesn't leak out?
Chilling the poppers thoroughly before baking and ensuring the bacon is wrapped securely helps keep the cheese inside.