Description
Crispy bacon wrapped jalapeno popper bites with a creamy, spicy, and salty filling. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack, these are ridiculously easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 medium fresh jalapenos
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 pound thin or regular cut bacon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Wash and dry the jalapenos. Cut each in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes (remove thoroughly for milder poppers, leave some for spicier).
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using, mix in the shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture, level with the cut edge. Do not overstuff.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice around each stuffed jalapeno half, overlapping the ends slightly on the bottom. Ensure the cream cheese is fully covered. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place each wrapped popper on the wire rack, seam side down, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the jalapenos are tender. Check at 20 minutes and add 3-5 minutes if desired.
- Remove from the oven and let the poppers cool on the rack for about 5 minutes (filling is very hot).
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Pre-cook bacon slightly (2-3 minutes per side) for less grease and better crispness. Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing. For make-ahead, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5 minutes to baking time. For freezing, freeze before or after baking; bake from frozen adding 10 minutes. Reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 85100
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 200250
- Fat: 78
- Saturated Fat: 34
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 34
Keywords: bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, jalapeno popper bites, easy appetizer, game day snack, keto, low-carb, gluten-free