Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are more than just an 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 GLUTEN FREE, LOW CARB and KETO-FRIENDLY.
Inspiration for this amazing appetizer:
What are jalapeno poppers?
Jalapeño poppers are an appetizer made from hollowed-out 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, deep-frying the poppers delivers on that front.
However you choose to prepare them, jalapeño poppers offer a pleasing combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements that make them a hit at any gathering.
Are jalapeno poppers keto?
If you're following a keto diet and wondering whether jalapeño poppers fit the bill, the answer is a resounding yes—well, mostly.
Traditional jalapeño poppers are already quite keto-friendly since they primarily consist of low-carb ingredients like jalapeños and cheese. Where you might run into trouble is if the poppers are breaded or battered, as that adds unnecessary carbs to the equation.
However, the recipe we're focusing on here skips the breading, sticking to bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños as the main ingredients. Each of these is low in carbs but high in fats and moderate in protein, aligning well with a ketogenic diet.
So if you're keto-conscious, rest easy. This jalapeno popper recipe keeps your carb count low while delivering big on deliciousness.
For your next social gathering or a random Tuesday night when you're craving something extraordinary, nobody will know it is keto-friendly.
What are the ingredients to make this Jalapeño Poppers Recipe:
Jalapeños: The star of the show. These bring the heat and a vibrant green color that's visually appealing. Their spiciness is balanced out by the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese: The smooth and creamy counterpart to the jalapeños' heat. It serves as the base for the filling and adds a rich, velvety texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling. It brings a slight sharpness that complements the creaminess.
Bacon: Wrapping the poppers in bacon adds a smoky, salty layer that's crisp when cooked. It's the finishing touch that brings everything together.
Spices: While optional, adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spice mix can elevate the flavors even further.
Each ingredient has its own role, but when combined, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that make these jalapeño poppers unforgettable.
Why are jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon?
Wondering why adding bacon to jalapeño poppers is so popular? Bacon serves multiple purposes in this recipe:
Flavor: The smoky, salty goodness of bacon enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a complexity that makes each bite delightful.
Texture: A bacon wrap gives the poppers a crispy outer layer, creating a contrast to the creamy cheese and the soft, baked jalapeño.
Balance: The richness of bacon complements the spiciness of the jalapeño and the softness of the cream cheese, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.
Visual Appeal: Let's face it, bacon-wrapped anything just looks appetizing. The golden, crispy bacon makes anyone just want to grab one and chow down.
Practicality: Bacon also helps to hold the cheesy filling inside the jalapeño.
While you could make jalapeño poppers without bacon, wrapping them in bacon truly takes them to the next level, both in terms of flavor and presentation.
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HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BACON WRAPPED JALAPEÑO Poppers:
Making jalapeño poppers at home is pretty simple. Start by washing the jalapeños, cutting them in half lengthwise, and scooping out the seeds and membranes. Then, mix cream cheese with some cheddar and the spices to create your filling. Spoon this mixture into the jalapeño halves, filling them up but not overflowing.
PRO TIP: Use gloves to avoid getting the capsaicin on your hands... this can be easily transmitted to the eyes or other sensitive areas on the body, even after hand washing!
Now for the bacon. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon. If it doesn't stay put, you can use a toothpick to secure it. Once all the jalapeños are wrapped, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the cheese has melted, usually around 20 to 25 minutes.
And there you have it—a straightforward way to make your own baked jalapeño poppers. They're a great addition to any gathering or just a nice way to treat yourself.
See how to make this jalapeno poppers recipe:
Take a look at just how easy these poppers can be made right in your own kitchen. If you have questions, please ask in the comments!
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 complementing 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 often cream cheese, thanks to its rich texture and ability to meld flavors together. In this recipe, it certainly utilizes 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 presents itself as 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 on 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.
Can Jalapeno Poppers be made on the grill?
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, keep a watchful eye out. The dripping fat can cause grill flare-ups, which you'll want to avoid for both safety and to prevent burning the poppers.
If you know your grill has a tendency to flare, you might want to consider making the poppers without bacon when cooking them this way. Grilling the jalapeños still imparts a nice smoky flavor, especially if you get a bit of char on them, which can be just as satisfying.
Use a grill basket or aluminum foil to contain the poppers and manage any melting cheese. This method also allows for more even cooking and can reduce the risk of flare-ups. Be attentive and turn them occasionally to ensure they're cooked through and the cheese is melted just right.
In summary, grilled jalapeño poppers are a great option, just be cautious of your grill's temperament and adjust your preparation accordingly.
Storing and Reheating Jalapeño Poppers
After the party winds down and you find yourself with leftovers, jalapeño poppers are pretty easy to store and reheat.
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 (175°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.
For a touch-up to restore a bit of the original texture and taste, consider popping them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of the reheating process, just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Remember, the key to enjoying leftovers is safe storage and patient reheating.
Prepare an amazing party with these delicious appetizers:
From cheesy delights to smoky bites, here's a roster of delicious starters:
Cheesy Keto Breadsticks: Imagine diving into a pile of warm, cheesy breadsticks that are so heavenly, you'll forget they're keto-friendly. Ideal for cheese lovers who aren't willing to compromise on flavor.
Roasted Eggplant with Burrata Appetizer: Picture smoky, tender eggplant topped with creamy burrata. This combo is simply amazing with black olives and lemon.
Easy Cream Cheese Dip: A cloud of cream cheese bliss that's so simple, you'll wonder why you didn't whip this up sooner. Perfect for dipping anything and everything.
Authentic Guacamole Recipe: Move over store-bought, this guacamole is the real deal. Fresh, light and full of flavor!
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe: This is so good. It's shrimp, but with a bacon twist. A match made in salty, smoky heaven.
Stuffed BLT Cherry Tomatoes: Imagine a BLT but make it cute and poppable. Tomatoes stuffed with bacon, lettuce, and hard-boiled eggs that'll leave you reaching for just one more...and maybe another.
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders: Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside—these aren't just for kids! They're so good paired up with a traditional pesto or pistachio pesto!
Butternut Squash and Sausage Appetizer (Not Low Carb): For those who don't mind straying from the low-carb path, this one's a seasonal flavor bomb. Sweet butternut squash meets savory sausage in a pairing that is simply delightful.
- Keto Crab Cakes: These tasty, bite-sized crab cakes deliver huge flavor without the carbs of traditional crab cakes. Yum!
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 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 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 edge, this one's for you.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Get ready to savor the trifecta of awesomeness with these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. Each popper delivers a burst of heat from the jalapeño, a creamy base from the cheese filling… all beautifully balanced by the salty, smoky embrace of bacon. It's a taste sensation that hits all the right notes, whether for a party, BBQ or just a Wednesday afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, these little bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
- 15 Fresh Jalapeños
- 1 Brick Cream Cheese, softened
- 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
- ½ Pound Bacon Strips, thin sliced
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 1 Pinch Pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs or green onions for zest.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried chives, salt and pepper. Mix well until it's all blended into a creamy, cheesy delight. Taste and adjust seasonings now.
- Halve the jalapenos 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 jalapenos on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Preheat your oven to 400F (205C)
- Stuff each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap a half strip of bacon around each stuffed jalapeno. Drape from the top and tuck the ends under the jalapeno 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 to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or green onions and enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing Jalapeños: Look for firm, bright green jalapeños. Smaller ones tend to be spicier, while larger peppers are milder and have more space for filling.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare these poppers in advance. Just stuff and wrap them, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake. They're perfect for getting a head start on party preparations.
- Handling Heat: When coring and seeding the jalapeños, consider wearing gloves to prevent any chili burn. Also, don't touch your face or eyes during the process.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing it with the cheddar. It'll be easier to blend and stuff into the jalapeños.
- Wrap Tightly: When wrapping your poppers with bacon, stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap to ensure it stays put during baking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: If the bacon isn’t staying wrapped, you can use toothpicks to secure it. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Even Cooking: Place the poppers directly on the baking sheet. Using parchment paper will make soggy poppers! If you want to make cleanup a breeze, line the baking sheet with aluminum foil first.
- Spice Level: If you're sensitive to spice, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes inside the peppers. Even with this, these will have some kick!
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack can offer a milder flavor, while a sharp cheddar can give a more intense taste.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the poppers as they bake. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the poppers. You want the bacon crispy and the peppers tender.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve them fresh out of the oven for the best flavor, but they're also delicious at room temperature, making them a flexible appetizer option.
This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
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