Description
Crispy, spicy, and creamy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheddar and cream cheese. A budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing game day snack that takes only 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–14 large jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces (225g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- 12–14 slices regular sliced bacon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for dipping)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Wear gloves and slice jalapeños in half lengthwise. Scrape out seeds and membranes with a spoon.
- Pat jalapeño halves dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Press a generous amount of the cheese mixture firmly into each jalapeño half.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, tucking the end under or securing with a toothpick.
- Place poppers on the wire rack, leaving space between them. Sprinkle lightly with brown sugar and black pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired, until bacon is crispy and peppers are tender.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Pat jalapeños dry to ensure bacon crisps. Use regular sliced bacon, not thick-cut, for even cooking. Do not freeze baked poppers; freeze unbaked instead. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped jalapeños, game day snacks, tailgate food, budget friendly appetizers, spicy snacks, football party food