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Savory Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

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Crispy bacon wrapped around jalapeños filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, perfect for a bold and easy appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise, seeds removed for milder heat
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 12 slices bacon, thin to medium cut
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes if you want less heat. Place the halves on the baking sheet, cut side up.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy. Fold in chopped green onions and cilantro if using.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
  5. Wrap one slice of bacon around each filled jalapeño half, securing with a toothpick if needed. The bacon should overlap slightly to hold the filling snugly.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through (around 12 minutes), flip each popper carefully using tongs to allow even crisping on all sides.
  7. Check for doneness: bacon should be crispy and browned, jalapeño tender but not mushy. If bacon isn’t crispy enough, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let the poppers cool for a couple of minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. Flip poppers halfway through baking for even crisping. Use thin to medium-cut bacon for best results. You can prepare filling a day ahead and refrigerate. For crispier bacon, place poppers on a wire rack over the baking sheet. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep bacon crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, appetizer, spicy snack, cream cheese, cheddar, party food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/savory-bacon-wrapped-jalape-n-o-poppers-recipe-easy-homemade-appetizer/