If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are always a hit! 🔥 Creamy, cheesy filling stuffed inside fresh jalapeños, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection — they’re spicy, savory, and totally irresistible.
This is a tested, reliable recipe that delivers crispy bacon and perfectly cooked peppers every time.
🍽 Servings
Makes 20 poppers (Serves 6–8 people as an appetizer)
🛒 Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers (medium to large)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 10 slices regular-cut bacon (cut in half)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or piping bag
- Knife
- Gloves (recommended)
👩🍳 Directions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños
- Wash and dry the jalapeños.
- Slice each pepper in half lengthwise.
- Carefully remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon.
👉 Tip: The membranes hold most of the heat. Remove thoroughly for milder poppers.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix together:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Peppers
Spoon (or pipe) the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Fill generously but avoid overfilling, as cheese can spill out while baking.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon, securing it snugly around the pepper. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
👉 If needed, secure with a toothpick.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until:
- Bacon is crispy
- Cheese is bubbly
- Jalapeños are tender
For extra crispy bacon, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy! 🔥
⚠️ Important Precautions
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Do not touch your eyes after handling peppers.
- Use regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut) so it crisps properly.
- Allow poppers to cool slightly before eating — the cheese filling gets very hot.
🥗 Nutritional Facts (Per 2 Poppers – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
🌟 Optional Variations
✔ Add cooked crumbled sausage to the filling
✔ Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice
✔ Add a drizzle of honey for sweet-heat flavor
✔ Make in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes
- Avoid microwaving (bacon may become soft)
These bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are perfect for game day, parties, BBQs, or holiday gatherings. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside — once you make them, they’ll become your go-to appetizer! 🥓🔥