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Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon (turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce heat if desired. Rinse and pat dry.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Add smoked paprika or cayenne if using.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half evenly with the cheese mixture using a spoon or melon baller. Avoid overfilling.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one slice of bacon, spiraling from base to tip. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place the poppers seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy and browned. Check after 15 minutes to prevent burning. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely.
  8. Let the poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to avoid burns.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Remove seeds and membranes to reduce heat. Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crispiness. Flip poppers halfway through baking for even crispness. Do not overfill to prevent spillover. Broil briefly at the end for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, cream cheese, bacon, appetizer, baked jalapeños, party snack, game day food, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/crispy-baked-cream-cheese-jalape-n-o-poppers-with-bacon-recipe-easy-and-delicious-appetizer/