Baconwrapped Jalapeño Popper Perfection
Table of Contents
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Perfection (Baked, Not Fried!)
Fancy a proper treat, yeah? Ever find yourself craving something spicy and cheesy? Then these jalapeño poppers recipe are your answer.
I'm talking about bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers that are baked, not fried. Trust me, they are absolutely banging!
What Makes These Poppers So Special?
Honestly, these aren't your nan's jalapeño poppers . This is the easy jalapeño poppers recipe that even I can smash, with super simple steps that takes less than 1 hour to complete.
These little beauties are filled with creamy cream cheese jalapeño poppers filling and a hint of spice. The salty bacon perfectly complements the spicy pepper and cheesy flavour, like having a cheeky Nando's at home.
This will make approximately 12 pieces of absolute delights.
Origin and Taste Sensation
Originating from the USA, these spicy appetizers are the perfect game day appetizers. Whether you're having a big party or just need a snack, these hit the spot.
The combination of fresh jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon is just chef's kiss . These are incredibly addictive, so don't say I didn't warn you.
Health Boost and Party Time
These jalapeño poppers with bacon are surprisingly not that bad for you. Yeah, bacon is involved but they are baked jalapeño poppers , not swimming in oil.
Plus, jalapeños contain vitamin C, which is always a bonus. They're perfect for game day food , tailgate food , or even as super bowl snacks.
Why are these the best party appetizers ? The blend of flavors are a crowd pleaser every single time, leaving everyone absolutely wowed!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk ingredients. To make these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers , we need to get organised! We're making some easy jalapeño poppers .
Honestly, it's less fuss than putting up shelves from IKEA.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Popper
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese , softened. Quality matters, people! Get the full fat stuff, not that watery diet rubbish. The filling needs to be RICH.
- 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese , shredded. Go for a mature cheddar.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) sour cream . Full fat again for that creamy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder . Don't skimp!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper . Freshly ground is best, innit?
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional). Adds a bit of class.
- 12 large fresh jalapeños . Look for firm, unblemished ones.
- 12 slices bacon , cut in half (about 6 ounces/170g total). Get thick cut bacon. It crisps up better.
We are making cream cheese jalapeño poppers with cheddar cheese , too.
Seasoning Notes: Give 'Em Some Oomph!
Garlic powder and black pepper are your base. But don't be afraid to experiment. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavour.
Some folks like a dash of cayenne for extra spicy appetizers . If you can't find chives, use spring onions. Bob's your uncle.
Did you know that the Scoville scale measures the pungency of chili peppers? Jalapeños typically fall between 2,500 to 8,000 SHU.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Baking sheet . The bigger, the better.
- Parchment paper (optional, but makes cleanup a doddle).
- Small knife (for coring the jalapeños ). Be careful!
- Mixing bowl. For the cheese goo.
- Spoon or piping bag (for filling). If you're feeling fancy.
- Oven . Essential for baked jalapeño poppers .
Don't have parchment paper? A lightly greased baking sheet will do the trick. A teaspoon can substitute for a knife to scrape out the fresh jalapeños .
These are going to be the star of your party snacks and game day food .
Let's be real, who doesn't love jalapeño poppers with bacon ? This jalapeño poppers recipe makes the best super bowl snacks and is the king of all tailgate food recipes, right next to a good ol' bucket of chicken.
They are some pretty good spicy appetizers , if you ask me! They make the cheesy jalapeño poppers that everyone will be raving about at the next do.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Perfection (Baked, Not Fried!)
Oh my gosh, are you ready for the best jalapeño poppers recipe ever? Forget those soggy, deep fried things. We're talking about fresh jalapeños, stuffed with cheesy goodness, wrapped in bacon, and baked to crispy perfection.
Honestly, they're addictive.
These easy jalapeño poppers are a total game changer. A bit spicy, a whole lotta cheesy, and guaranteed to vanish faster than you can say "seconds!" The salty bacon with the spicy pepper, it's just.
.. chef's kiss .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get organised. This appetizer recipe needs a bit of prep, but it's dead simple. Gotta have that all essential mise en place.
We're talking fresh jalapeños , cream cheese, cheddar... the whole shebang.
Essential mise en place
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise (about 6 ounces/170g total), preferably thick cut
Grab your baking sheet , parchment paper (makes cleanup a breeze), a small knife, mixing bowl, and spoon or piping bag. Time to get started on these baked jalapeño poppers
step-by-step: Popper Assembly Line
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Grease that baking sheet.
- Slice your jalapeños lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and membranes (wear gloves if you're a wimp like me!). Less membrane = less spice, you know?
- Mix softened cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, pepper, and chives (if using) in a bowl.
- Generously fill each jalapeño with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon or a piping bag if you want to be fancy.
- Wrap each filled jalapeño with bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes , or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are slightly softened.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Poppers
Wanna make these cream cheese jalapeño poppers even better? I've got you covered. You can enjoy the benefits of this snack recipe at any time
- Spice Control: Remove all seeds and membranes for milder poppers. Leave some in for extra heat!
- Bacon Perfection: For super crispy bacon, pop the baking sheet under the broiler for the last 2- 3 minutes . But watch it like a hawk! We don't want burnt bacon, do we?
- Prep Ahead: You can fill the jalapeños hours in advance. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Perfect for game day appetizers or when you're expecting company! If you are planning to have these for Super Bowl snacks or tailgate food you must prep ahead!.
Honestly, these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are such a crowd pleaser. Perfect as party snacks , spicy appetizers , or just a cheeky little treat.
Alright, let's dive into some extra tips and tricks for making the best jalapeño poppers . Honestly, it's the little things that take them from "meh" to "Oh my gosh!".
These cream cheese jalapeño poppers are a sure way to bring everyone together!
Recipe Notes for Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
Here are a few things I've learned over the years making these babies!
Serving Like a Pro
Plating and Presentation Ideas . You know? Presentation matters! Arrange your bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers on a nice platter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurts.
Serve with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese for dipping. Complementary Sides and Beverages . These spicy appetizers pair perfectly with a crisp, cold beer.
A light salad can balance the richness, too! They're top tier party snacks and game day food
Storing Secrets to Keep Your Jalapeño Poppers Fresh
Refrigeration Guidelines . Got leftovers? (Doubtful, but just in case!) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Options . I wouldn't recommend freezing cooked poppers. But, you can freeze the unbaked , filled jalapeño poppers . Thaw them completely before baking.
Reheating Instructions . Pop them back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. A baking sheet is best for even heating.
Microwaving works in a pinch, but they might get a little soggy.
Switching It Up, Baby!
Dietary Adaptations . Need a dairy-free version? Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar cheese alternatives. Seasonal Swaps . While fresh jalapeños are great year round, you can get creative! Try using other peppers like poblano for a milder flavor.
Nutrition Nuggets
Simplified Nutrition Information . Each popper clocks in around 150 calories. These cheesy jalapeño poppers have about 7g of protein and 12g of fat.
Key Health Benefits . They're a good source of protein (thanks, bacon!). Plus, jalapeños have some vitamins and minerals.
Final Thoughts
Making easy jalapeño poppers is a breeze! Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on them. Whether you bake them like these baked jalapeño poppers or throw them on the grill, these super bowl snacks are sure to be a hit.
So, get in the kitchen and have some fun! You got this! I know that these jalapeño poppers with bacon are great tailgate food .
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make jalapeño poppers less spicy? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat!
No worries, spice control is totally achievable! The key is in the jalapeños themselves. When prepping, make sure to thoroughly remove all the seeds and membranes. These are where the majority of the heat resides.
Some folks even soak the halved jalapeños in ice water for 30 minutes to further reduce the spiciness, like a soothing bath for your peppers!
Can I prepare these jalapeño poppers ahead of time? I'm having a party, and I don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all day.
Absolutely! You can assemble the poppers (stuffing and wrapping with bacon) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them, covered, in the fridge. Then, just pop them in the oven when you're ready to bake. A little tip from Mary Berry herself: add a few minutes to the baking time since they're starting cold.
What's the best way to store leftover jalapeño poppers, and how long will they last?
Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Be warned, microwaving might make the bacon a bit less crispy, but hey, needs must when the devil drives!
I'm following a keto diet. Can I still enjoy these jalapeño poppers? Are there any substitutions I can make?
Good news, mate! Jalapeño poppers are pretty keto friendly as is, but you can tweak them to be even better. Ensure you're using full fat cream cheese and cheddar. To keep the carb count low, avoid adding any sugary ingredients to the filling.
If you're feeling fancy, you could even use almond flour to create a breading for an extra crispy, keto approved popper!
What other cheeses can I use in jalapeño poppers? I’m not a big fan of cheddar.
Don't fret; cheese preferences are like football teams everyone has their favorite! Monterey Jack or pepper jack are excellent substitutes for cheddar, adding a slightly milder or spicier twist, respectively. You could also try using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
A little bit of Gruyere never hurt anyone, did it?
Are there any yummy dipping sauces that go well with jalapeño poppers besides ranch dressing?
Absolutely! Ranch is a classic, but let's spice things up a bit! Blue cheese dressing offers a tangy and creamy contrast to the spicy poppers. A cool and refreshing avocado crema is also a winner, or you can get creative with a sweet chili sauce for a touch of Asian flavor.
It's all about experimenting to find your perfect match!
Baconwrapped Jalapeno Popper Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |