Jalape\u00f1o poppers are the MVP of appetizers. Spicy, creamy, salty, and crispy all at once. This version wraps them in bacon because… why wouldn’t you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baked, not fried. Easy to prep ahead. And absolutely impossible to stop eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Makes 12-16 poppers (serves 4-6).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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12-16 fresh jalape\u00f1os<\/li>\n\n\n\n
8 oz cream cheese, softened<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bd cup shredded cheddar cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bc cup grated Parmesan (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
2 green onions, finely chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
1 clove garlic, minced<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bd teaspoon smoked paprika<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bc teaspoon salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Optional: ranch or chipotle crema for dipping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-Step Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Preheat and Prep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Wearing gloves (seriously\u2014don’t touch your eyes), cut each jalape\u00f1o in half lengthwise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Scoop out seeds and white membranes with a small spoon. Leave some seeds if you want more heat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Make the Filling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, paprika, and salt until smooth.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Fill the Jalape\u00f1os<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Spoon or pipe filling into each jalape\u00f1o half, mounding it slightly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and peppers are tender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end\u2014watch closely.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Serve Hot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Let cool for 5 minutes (cheese lava is real). Serve with ranch or chipotle crema.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Store baked poppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in air fryer at 375\u00b0F for 5 minutes or oven at 375\u00b0F for 8 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freezing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Freeze unbaked assembled poppers on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400\u00b0F for 25-30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make-Ahead:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prep and fill the jalape\u00f1os (without bacon) up to 2 days ahead. Refrigerate. Add bacon and bake when ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat Warning:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WEAR GLOVES when handling jalape\u00f1os. The oils stick to your skin and will burn your eyes, nose, and other sensitive areas for hours. Learn from our mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vegetarian Option:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skip the bacon. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil before baking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Fresh jalape\u00f1os stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, then wrapped in crispy bacon. Baked until bubbly. The perfect game-day bite.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,73],"tags":[1514,1515,491,1512,1516,1517,1513],"class_list":["post-1883","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baking","category-quick_meals","tag-bacon-wrapped-jalapenos","tag-cream-cheese-jalapenos","tag-game-day-food","tag-jalapeno-poppers","tag-keto-jalapeno-poppers","tag-spicy-appetizer","tag-stuffed-jalapenos"],"yoast_head":"\n
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