Description
These Beef Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, making them an irresistible appetizer. With a crispy bacon exterior and a rich cheese filling, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when the poppers are ready, they will cook evenly and develop a perfect crispiness on the bacon.
- Prepare the jalapeños by cutting them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. This not only reduces the heat but also creates a nice cavity for the filling. Be cautious not to cut all the way through the pepper!
- In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese (if using), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix until well blended and creamy. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture. Make sure to pack it in well, but don’t overfill, as the filling can spill out during cooking.
- Cut 12 slices of bacon in half and wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Ensure the bacon overlaps a bit to hold everything together.
- Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or brushing it lightly with olive oil. Place the wrapped jalapeño poppers on the sheet, bacon seam side down, to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them; the bacon should be golden brown but not burnt.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the poppers cool for a few minutes. This will help the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Don’t skip on the cheese! The right ratio of cream cheese to cheddar is critical for the perfect creamy texture. Aim for at least 1 part cream cheese to 1 part cheddar for the best flavor balance. Use thick-cut beef bacon for the best results.