If you’re craving a snack that’s smoky, spicy, creamy, and downright addictive, bacon wrapped jalapenos are your answer. These little bites pack a punch of flavor with the perfect balance of heat from jalapenos, savory bacon, and creamy cheese filling. Wondering how to cook bacon wrapped jalapenos to get that perfect crispy bacon and melty cheese inside? Let’s dive into an easy, foolproof method that will make you the star of any party or game day gathering.
What You’ll Need
– Fresh jalapeno peppers (about 12 medium-sized)
– Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
– Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend, about 1 cup)
– Bacon slices (12 slices, thin-cut works best)
– Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or other seasonings (optional for extra flavor)
– Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
1. Prepare the Jalapenos
Start by washing your jalapenos. Then, slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes – this is where most of the heat lives, so removing them will tame the spice a bit, but if you want it hotter, leave some seeds in. Removing the seeds also makes room for the cheesy filling.
2. Make the Filling
The classic filling is a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese and shredded cheese. You can keep it simple or add flavor boosters like minced garlic, green onions, smoked paprika, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
3. Stuff the Jalapenos
Generously fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Don’t worry about being too neat – the filling will melt and settle as it cooks. If you have leftover filling, it’s great on bagels or sandwiches!
4. Wrap with Bacon
Cut your bacon slices in half if they’re long, so each piece wraps snugly around one stuffed jalapeno half. Wrap the bacon around the filled jalapeno, securing it with a toothpick to keep it in place while cooking.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, or better yet, on a wire rack over the sheet to let the bacon grease drip away and help the bacon crisp up.
Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven and bacon thickness. You want the bacon to be crispy and the cheese inside to be melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil for the last minute or two, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Let Them Cool and Serve
After baking, let the jalapenos rest for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit so it won’t ooze out when you bite into them. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
– Choose the right jalapenos: Medium-sized peppers are ideal for stuffing. Larger ones hold more filling but may take longer to cook.
– Soak toothpicks: Soaking toothpicks in water for 30 minutes before baking prevents them from burning in the oven or on the grill.
– Make ahead: You can stuff and wrap jalapenos a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
– Grill option: If you prefer grilling, place the poppers on a grill basket or foil to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy.
– Spice level: Keep seeds for extra heat or remove all for milder poppers.
– Save bacon grease: Don’t throw away the bacon grease left on the tray; it’s great for cooking other dishes.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
These poppers are a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The combination of smoky, crispy bacon with creamy, cheesy filling and spicy jalapeno is a flavor explosion in every bite. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a tasty snack to satisfy your cravings. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and seasonings.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself making four times as many as you planned – they disappear fast!
Bacon wrapped jalapenos are simple to make, endlessly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Enjoy!