Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are spicy, creamy, cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in crispy bacon, offering a perfect blend of heat and savory flavors in each bite.
Toothpicks2 per jalapeño, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapeños
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the jalapeños thoroughly and slice the tops off, coring out the middle of the jalapeños
Using a spoon or small knife, gently scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you prefer less heat, make sure to remove all the seeds. Set the prepared jalapeños aside.
Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, and bacon bits.
Add your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning to the cheese mixture, adjusting the amount to suit your family’s taste. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños.
Fill the Jalapeños
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño with the cheese mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling, as the cheese will melt and expand in the oven.
Press the filling down slightly to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Wrap with Bacon
Wrap one piece of bacon around each filled jalapeño, making sure the ends overlap slightly.
Secure the bacon with two soaked toothpicks per jalapeño to prevent it from unraveling during baking. Soaking the toothpicks helps prevent them from burning in the oven.
Bake the Poppers
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the jalapeño poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.