Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate appetizer. Whether they are for a party buffet or game time snacks, you will love these jalapenos, sliced in half and stuffed with a rich mixture of cream cheese and crispy bacon and baked to cheesy golden brown perfection.

Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

These are great at any time of the year, but between the holiday parties and sports parties coming up this season, we know that you will be looking for appetizer recipes and party snacks to share.

Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeño Poppers use simple ingredients and are so EASY to make. The filling is similar to the filling used in our Cheeseball recipe and Stuffed Mushrooms but stuffed into jalapeño peppers instead.

• Jalapeños – Twelve, fresh and halved with the seeds and membrane removed
• Bacon – 6 ounces equals about 6 strips of bacon
• Cream Cheese – The base for the filling. Room temperature is best, making it easier to spread in the jalapeno halves
• Mild Cheddar Cheese – One cup, shredded
• Garlic – One clove, minced or grated
• Green Onion – Chopped white and green parts
• Salt and Pepper – add these to taste
• Parmesan Cheese – To sprinkle on top after cooking (optional)

These cream cheese-stuffed jalapenos are very easy to customize to your preferences.

• Cheese – You can use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild for more of a zing, pepper jack cheese for a kick
• Bacon – You can make keto-friendly bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers by wrapping the peppers and securing them with a toothpick before baking, giving you a crispy bacon crunch in every bite. Or, simply omit the bacon to make them vegetarian.
• Adjust the heat – If you like them spicy, leave some of the membrane or seeds inside. (See our tips below for choosing a spicy jalapeno)
• Mini Bell Pepper – If you or someone you’re cooking for can’t handle the heat, swap the jalapenos for baby bell peppers.
• Add a Crunchy Topping – One of my favorite ways to elevate these jalapeno poppers and make them extra crispy is by using Panko Bread Crumbs on top.

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

• Prepare – Preheat your oven to 400°F and cook the bacon in a large skillet for about 3 minutes per side, until crisp and browned (you can also make Air Fryer Bacon). Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small bits.
• Mix – In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, green onion, shredded cheese, and bacon for the filling. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
• Slice – Put on your kitchen gloves. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scrape the inside of the jalapeño halves to remove and discard the seeds and membranes.
• Stuff – Stuff each jalapeño half with enough cream cheese mixture to sit level with the sides. Don’t be tempted to overstuff them. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Bake – Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheesy topping is golden brown in spots. Let the poppers cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onion if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

• Pro Tip:

  Wear kitchen gloves when working with raw jalapeno peppers and avoid touching your face or eyes, you will thank me for this. Jalapenos are spicy so protect your skin from being burned while preparing this recipe.