Description
Spicy “Jalapeño Poppers” bring zesty Mexican-inspired appetizers straight to your kitchen table. Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fiery peppers combine for an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeno Poppers
Main Ingredients:
- 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices turkey bacon, cut in half
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 12 teaspoons garlic powder
- 12 teaspoons onion powder
Finishing Ingredients:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for convenient cleanup.
- Carefully slice jalapenos in half lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds and membranes to control heat intensity, preserving a few seeds for those who enjoy extra spiciness.
- Create a creamy filling by blending cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
- Generously fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
- Encase each stuffed pepper with a half slice of turkey bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed to maintain the wrap.
- Arrange poppers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon transforms to a crispy golden texture and cheese becomes delightfully bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling moment before serving hot, accompanied by preferred dipping sauces like ranch or sour cream for an extra flavor dimension.
Notes
- Spice Level Control: Remove all seeds and membranes for a super mild version, perfect for those with low heat tolerance.
- Bacon Swap: Use regular bacon, prosciutto, or veggie bacon strips for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try goat cheese, dairy-free cream cheese, or vegan cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-free or plant-based diets.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare poppers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking, making party prep a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg