Description
These Baked Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for feeding a crowd. Stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, they offer a spicy and savory bite that is sure to please at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeño Peppers
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (divided)
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pan: Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a standard size cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prep Jalapeños: Slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Remove all seeds and white membranes carefully to reduce the heat level and prepare for stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled bacon. Use a handheld mixer to beat the mixture until creamy and fully combined, approximately 1 minute.
- Assemble Jalapeño Poppers: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared cookie sheet and sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the poppers.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the jalapeño poppers are bubbly and the cheese filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the poppers from the oven and allow them to cool for about 3 minutes. Serve warm as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For milder poppers, be sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from the capsaicin oil.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider using smoked cheddar or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- You can prepare these poppers in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Adjust bacon amount based on preference or substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
