These jalapeño poppers are easy to make in the oven and stuffed with a tasty mix of cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon.
These poppers are a treat that's perfect for a snack, party, or as a game day appetizer. They're stuffed with a flavorful double cheese (cream cheese + cheddar cheese) filling. They also have just the right amount of crunchy bacon: both in the filling and sprinkled on top.
This recipe also makes a large batch of poppers (about 24 total). You definitely want to make a large batch because these will be gone quick! And if you're serving them at a party, you can also prep them ahead of time and then bake them just before guests arrive.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe card and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.
- Jalapeños
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Bacon
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños
Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the membranes and seeds of the peppers.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and all but 2 tablespoons of crumbled bacon. Use a hand mixer or spoon to mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Spoon Filling into Jalapeños
Spoon the cream cheese filling into each jalapeno and use your fingers to press it down. The filling should fill the inside of the jalapeno until flat with the top of the pepper (don't overfill them). Depending on the size of your jalapeños you may have some filling or peppers left over.
Step 5: Bake
Place the jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet. They should be upright (so that they don't tip over) and not touching. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, until the filling becomes lightly browned and bubbly.
Step 6: Cool
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with remaining bacon. Let cool for 3 - 5 mins before moving from baking sheet. Serve warm, optionally with ranch for dipping.
Ingredient Notes
- Jalapeños: if you can find them, use large jalapeños so that you can fit more filling in each one. The spiciness of the jalapeños will also determine how spicy these poppers are. Here's a quick guide to help determine How to Check for the Hotness of Jalapeños.
- Bacon: plain, thin bacon works better than thick-cut bacon for this recipe.
- Chives or green onions: these can make a tasty addition to your filling. Add about 2 tablespoons (chopped) of one or the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
These jalapeno poppers will be as spicy as your jalapeños are — some are spicier than others.
Here's a quick guide to How to Check the Hotness of Jalapeños: in summary, look for bright green jalapeños without lines ('stretch marks') for milder flavor. Also, be sure to remove all of the seeds and membranes to make your peppers less spicy.
The best way to protect your hands while you cut jalapeños is to wear gloves. If you don't have gloves, you can also use Ziploc bags over your hands.
To help prevent the cream cheese from melting out of the jalapeños in the oven, refrigerate the poppers for 20 minutes before baking.
Jalapeno Poppers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These jalapeno poppers are easy to make in the oven and stuffed with a tasty mix of cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon.
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeno peppers*
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the jalapeños: cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the membranes and seeds of the peppers.
- Make the filling: in a medium mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and all but 2 tablespoons of crumbled bacon. Use a hand mixer or spoon to mix until well combined and smooth.
- Fill the jalapeños: Spoon the cream cheese filling into each jalapeno and use your fingers to press it down. The filling should fill the inside of the jalapeno until flat with the top of the pepper (don't overfill them). Depending on the size of your jalapeños you may have some filling or peppers left over.
- Bake: place the jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet. They should be upright (so that they don't tip over) and not touching. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, until the filling becomes lightly browned and bubbly.
- Cool & serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with remaining bacon. Let cool for 3 - 5 mins before moving from baking sheet. Serve warm, optionally with ranch for dipping.
Notes
*Jalapeños: depending on the size of your jalapeños, this recipe may make slightly less or more poppers. The recipe makes enough filling for approximately 12 large jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bacon, cheese, jalapeno, poppers
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