Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a flavor explosion in every bite.
Imagine the creamy richness of melted cream cheese and cheddar jack cheese—stuffed into the hollow of a spicy jalapeño pepper. That heat is balanced perfectly by the warm gooey filling. Then, as if that contrast wasn’t indulgent enough, the whole thing is wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon.
How to Make Jalapeño Poppers
To make my bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers, I began with a plentiful harvest of fresh jalapeños from my kitchen garden. I had so many this season! Read my post Jalapeño Harvest for complete details about planting, growing and harvesting jalapeño peppers.
Begin by washing and drying all of the peppers. I have sensitive skin and therefore wear rubber gloves. I once burned under my fingernail because I scraped out the insides with with my bare hands!
Slice each pepper in half lengthwise to make little “canoe” shapes. Scrape out the ribs and seeds with a spoon or melon baller. Again, I wear gloves-be mindful and prepare carefully. Wash your hands!
Next I mixed my cheeses and prepped my jalapeños. I prefer a sheet pan with a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
When you spoon the cheese mixture into the pepper half, press it into the pepper to help it stay put during the cooking process and avoid having it run out.
Wrap a piece of bacon around the cheese-filled pepper and secure with a toothpick, if necessary.
Cook at 400°F for 30 minutes. Ovens vary and you might need to adjust your time.
Check frequently to avoid burning. You want the bacon to be brown and yummy!
Enjoy the savory aroma as these delicious bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers bake in the oven.
The salty, savory crunch of the bacon pairs perfectly with the soft, slightly roasted pepper and the cheesy center. The flavors hit all the right notes: spicy, creamy, salty, and smoky. It’s the kind of snack that disappears quickly at parties—addictively delicious and deeply satisfying. It’s comfort food with a spicy, irresistible twist.
Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 7-9 fresh jalapeños halved
- 1 cup cheddar-jack cheese shredded
- 8 oz block cream cheese softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 14-18 slices center cut bacon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare sheet pan with Silpat mat or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Slice jalapeños in half like little canoes and remove ribs and seeds. Use rubber gloves or use a spoon. Wash hands thoroughly and avoid touching your face/eyes.
- Step 3: Combine cream cheese, cheddar-jack cheese, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until blended.
- Step 4: Spoon mixture into jalapeño halves and arrange on baking sheet cheese side up.
- Step 5: Wrap each pepper with bacon slice and secure with a toothpick.
- Step 6: Bake for 30-45 minutes or until bacon is crispy and cheese is browned and bubbly. Enjoy!
Notes
Use caution when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
Experiment with cheese varieties like cheddar and monterey jack.
Use a handheld apple corer to scoop ribs and seeds easily.
Use a piping bag to fill jalapeños.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a fantastic way to use up fresh jalapeños from the kitchen garden!
Read more about living seasonally with your garden and cooking with your harvest in Homegrown Gardener’s Guide: Growing, Cooking and Living with the Seasons.
