Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are more than just a classic appetizer; they're a conversation starter, a mood-setter, and frankly, a reason to celebrate!
Imagine biting into a perfect harmony of spicy jalapeño, luxurious cream cheese, and that crispy bacon that just seals the deal. It's a trio that dances on your palate, each element elevating the others to create an unforgettable bite.
Perfect for game days, gatherings, BBQ’s and more.
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Keto
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- Gluten Free
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are 7 reasons why these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are a must-try:
- Bold flavors with jalapeño, cream cheese, and bacon.
- Jalapeños keep their flavor with a milder spice.
- Creamy cheese filling wrapped in crispy bacon.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly, yet so tasty.
- Perfect party appetizer for game day or backyard BBQs.
- Unique, simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Simple to make with affordable ingredients.
Inspiration for This Amazing Appetizer
Want to know the real reason I made these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers? They were born out of a 'jalapeño overload' situation. I found myself the proud owner of a glut of seventy jalapeños—each one looking fresher than the last—and knew I had to do something before they went to waste.
After knocking out some pickled jalapeños and adding a spicy kick to my keto taco salad, the remaining jalapeños were just too many to deal with.
I scanned the fridge and saw cream cheese, cheddar, and some thin-sliced bacon. These ingredients were screaming 'jalapeño poppers!' What started as a way to use up excess jalapeños became a family favorite appetizer.
Seriously, the end result exceeded all my expectations, and now I'm stoked to share this jalapeño poppers recipe with you.
What Are Jalapeño Poppers?
Jalapeño poppers are an appetizer made from hollowed-out fresh jalapeño peppers filled with a creamy cheese mixture. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability—you have options for how to prepare them:
- Sliced and stuffed: You can slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and stuff each half.
- Cored and stuffed whole: Alternatively, you can core the jalapeños to keep them whole and then stuff them.
As for cooking methods, you're not limited to just one:
- Baked in the oven: A popular and easy-to-clean method, baking makes for a great, crispy texture.
- Cooked on the grill: Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the spiciness of the jalapeños.
- Deep-fried: If you're looking for a crunch of crispy perfection, deep-frying the poppers delivers on that front.
However you prepare them, jalapeño poppers offer a pleasing combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements that make them a hit at any gathering.
Are Jalapeño Poppers Low-Carb?
Yes, jalapeño poppers can be made low-carb. This recipe contains just 2 g net carbs per serving, which makes it suitable to be included in the low-carb category.
Also, you have to check my articles on "Are Jalapenos Keto?" and "Is Bacon Low Carb?"- amazing details backed up by our certified nutritionist!
Jalapeño Poppers with Cheddar Cheese
In this recipe, cheddar cheese plays a pivotal role by bringing a sharp and tangy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the smooth cream cheese and the spicy kick of the jalapeños. While this recipe uses a blend of cream cheese and cheddar for a creamy yet robust filling, some might wonder if going with cheddar alone is an option.
Pure cheddar cheese could technically be used to stuff jalapeño poppers, but there are a couple of considerations. Cheddar melts differently compared to cream cheese; it's oilier and less creamy when melted, which could result in a greasier and less stable filling. It also lacks the adhesive quality that cream cheese has, so the melted cheddar might not stay neatly inside the jalapeño halves while baking.
Furthermore, the flavor of cheddar, especially if it’s aged, can be quite strong and may overpower the jalapeño rather than complement it. The beauty of blending cheddar with cream cheese lies in achieving that perfect harmony where the sharpness of cheddar shines through but doesn't overshadow the pepper’s piquant flavor.
So, while you could experiment with all-cheddar jalapeño poppers, my approach balances textures and flavors for a delicious bite every time. Stick with the duo of cheeses for poppers that hold together and taste just as good as they look.
Jalapeño Poppers With Cream Cheese
The classic foundation for jalapeño poppers is usually cream cheese, thanks to its rich texture and ability to meld flavors together. In this recipe, we utilize cream cheese, but it's kicked up a notch by adding cheddar to the mix, lending the filling an extra depth with its bold taste.
While cream cheese could stand alone as a filling, and often does in many recipes, pairing it with cheddar provides that "oomph" factor – a tangy punch that complements the cream cheese's smoothness and the jalapeño's heat. It's about balance and that extra touch of flavor complexity that makes each bite delish.
Alternatively, for those who might prefer a more distinctive taste, goat cheese is an excellent solo filling for jalapeño poppers. Its creamy yet crumbly texture and unique tangy flavor can elevate the poppers to a gourmet level. It's an option for anyone looking to experiment with a different taste profile that still delivers creaminess and flavor intensity.
Whether it's the tried-and-true cream cheese or the tangy twist of goat cheese, the choice of filling can transform jalapeño poppers from a familiar favorite to an exciting new dish.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Ingredient List
The following is a list of ingredients required for making bacon jalapeño poppers:
- 15 fresh jalapeños
- 1 brick (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ pound bacon strips, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- optional: fresh herbs or green onions for zest
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some great alternatives to keep your keto bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers just as tasty.
- Cheddar cheese: Use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even provolone.
- Parmesan cheese: Use pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Garlic powder: Use some roasted garlic mashed into the cream cheese.
- Onion powder: Try finely chopped sautéed onions mixed into the cream cheese.
- Chili powder: Use chipotle powder, Ancho powder, or ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Dried chives: Use fresh chives or chopped green onions.
- Bacon strips: Try my homemade bacon bits for a flavorful twist.
Additional Ingredients
Take your keto jalapeño poppers to the next level with these delicious additions that pair perfectly with the main ingredients.
- Spices: Add mustard powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or ground white pepper.
- Cheese: Mix in crumbled goat, feta, or blue cheese for a unique flavor.
- Sauces: These poppers love dipping sauces! Try my homemade blue cheese sauce or homemade ranch dressing.
Note: These are optional ingredients and are not included in the main recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
The following is a list of tools you need to make bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers:
- Gloves (for handling jalapeños)
- Spoon or melon baller (for scooping out jalapeño seeds and membranes)
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
- Oven
- Serving platter
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Slice bacon into thin strips.
- Shred cheddar and grate parmesan cheese.
Cooking Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried chives, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well until it's all blended into a creamy, cheesy delight. Taste and adjust seasonings now.
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This is best done with gloves and a spoon or melon baller. Discard the seeds and membranes. Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C.)
- Stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap a half strip of bacon around each uncooked jalapeño popper. Drape from the top and tuck the ends under the jalapeño for best results. Secure with a toothpick ONLY if needed.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. You will know they are done when the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is bubbly with a slightly golden hue.
- Take the poppers out of the oven, let them cool slightly, and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or green onions, and enjoy!
Step 1: Combine all the stuffing ingredients together in a bowl.
Step 2: Mix them together, ensuring the spices are incorporated.
Step 3: Use gloves and either a spoon or melon baller to remove the seeds and ribs.
Step 4: Fill each of the jalapeno halves with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Wrap each popper with bacon. I use thin sliced as it cooks faster and is easier.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating half way through baking to ensure even cooking!
💡 My Pro Tip
Here are a few tips for making this recipe:
- Use gloves: Keep gloves on throughout the entire prep process to avoid mishandling jalapeño peppers.
- Seed the jalapeños: Remove the ribs and seeds, as that's where the heat is concentrated.
- Room temperature cream cheese: This makes it easier to mix in the herbs and spices.
- Use thin-sliced bacon: It cooks faster and crisps up nicely. If you can't find it, ask your butcher to slice some for you.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use toothpicks: If the bacon isn’t staying in place, secure it with toothpicks to save time.
- Soften cream cheese ahead: To save time when making the stuffing, let the block of cream cheese sit out before starting.
- Gather ingredients beforehand: Having everything ready in advance saves time and keeps your kitchen uncontaminated from hot jalapeño juice.
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers?
These tasty cream cheese jalapeño poppers pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few great options to serve alongside them:
- Guacamole: The creamy, cool texture of guacamole complements the spicy kick of jalapeño poppers perfectly. Plus, it adds a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- Grilled Chicken Wings: Grilled chicken wings offer a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy, cheesy poppers. They make a fantastic combination for any party or game day spread.
- Cream Cheese Dip: A smooth and tangy cream cheese dip enhances the flavors of the poppers and provides an extra layer of indulgence. It's a crowd-pleasing addition that's easy to whip up.
- Keto Ranch Dressing: Keto ranch dressing adds a zesty, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese stuffed jalapeños. It's a low-carb dip that keeps the flavors vibrant and satisfying.
- Southwestern Salad Recipe: A Southwestern salad, with its mix of fresh veggies and bold spices, complements the poppers beautifully. The crisp and colorful salad adds a light and refreshing element to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing
Let the poppers cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay good in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze jalapeño poppers. Arrange the cooled poppers on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours), and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll last for up to a month without losing much of their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-cooked taste, the oven is your best bet. Preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Place the poppers on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate and crisp them up. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated or 20 minutes if frozen.
Recipe Conclusion
These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a guaranteed hit for any occasion! With their crispy bacon wrapping and creamy, cheesy filling, they bring together the perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors. Whether you're planning a game day party or a casual get-together, these poppers will be the star of the show, disappearing as quickly as you can make them.
For an awesome appetizer that delights every palate, these jalapeños with cream cheese deliver a taste experience that's hard to resist. Don't hesitate—grab your ingredients and get going! Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you for it!
Love Bacon? Me Too...
If you like bacon as much as I do, you know it's more than just a breakfast side. Here are some tried-and-true recipes where bacon plays a starring role, without going over the top.
- Hot Bacon Salad Dressing: This dressing gives your salad a smoky kick. Simple but full of flavor.
- Easy Bacon Bits: Skip the store stuff and make your own. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
- Cheesy Bacon Egg Frittata: A filling breakfast or brunch option that brings together cheese and bacon in the best way.
- Lardon: The Best Bacon Ever: It's bacon but with a French twist. I coined these thick-cut bacon bits “bacon croutons,” and they taste as good as they sound.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Bacon takes these sprouts from good to great. Even skeptics will want seconds.
- Bacon Avocado Salad: It’s a salad but with the perfect balance of additional bacon and avocado. Enough said.
- Sautéed Spinach with Bacon and Shallots: If you need to get more greens in your diet but crave something with an edge, this one's for you.
FAQs
So, are jalapeño poppers keto? Yes, jalapeños are keto-friendly. Traditional jalapeño poppers are already quite keto-friendly since they primarily consist of low-carb ingredients like jalapeños and cheese. You might run into trouble if the poppers are breaded or battered, as that adds unnecessary carbs to the equation.
Certainly, jalapeño poppers can be taken from the kitchen to the grill for an extra hint of smokiness. However, when you wrap them in bacon, watch carefully. The dripping fat can cause grill flare-ups, which you'll want to avoid for both safety and to prevent burning the poppers.
Bake bacon-wrapped jalapeños in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Bake bacon-wrapped jalapeños at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 15 fresh jalapeños
- 1 brick 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ pound bacon strips thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- optional: fresh herbs or green onions for zest
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Slice bacon into thin strips.
- Shred cheddar and grate parmesan cheese.
Cooking Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried chives, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well until it's all blended into a creamy, cheesy delight. Taste and adjust seasonings now.
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This is best done with gloves and a spoon or melon baller. Discard the seeds and membranes. Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C.)
- Stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap a half strip of bacon around each uncooked jalapeño popper. Drape from the top and tuck the ends under the jalapeño for best results. Secure with a toothpick ONLY if needed.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. You will know they are done when the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is bubbly with a slightly golden hue.
- Take the poppers out of the oven, let them cool slightly, and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or green onions, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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