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Crispy Smokehouse Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

smokehouse bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These crispy smokehouse bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers deliver a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, making them an ideal quick and easy appetizer for game nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized jalapeños, stems removed and seeds scooped out
  • 12 slices thick-cut smokehouse bacon
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Toothpicks, to secure bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, smoothing the top slightly.
  5. Wrap one slice of smokehouse bacon around each stuffed jalapeño half and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
  6. Place the poppers on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, bacon seam side down if possible.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the bacon is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Let the poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack over the baking sheet to help bacon crisp evenly and allow fat to drip away. If bacon browns too fast before cheese melts, tent loosely with foil. For extra char, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. Wearing gloves when prepping jalapeños helps prevent irritation. Variations include swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack, using turkey bacon for a leaner option, or adding cooked sausage or chicken to the filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, appetizer, game day snack, smoky, spicy, creamy, easy recipe