Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer that never fails to please a crowd. The combination of spicy peppers, creamy cheese filling, and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
Whether you are hosting a game night, a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a tasty snack, this recipe for bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers is the perfect choice. Follow these simple steps and get ready to wow your guests with this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:.
– 12 fresh jalapeño peppers.
– 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
– 12 slices of bacon, cut in half.
– Toothpicks (optional).
– Barbecue sauce (optional, for dipping).
Instructions:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make these delicious bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers:.
Step 1: Preparing the Jalapeños
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Rinse the jalapeño peppers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
– Cut off the stem end of each pepper, then slice them in half lengthwise.
– Using a small spoon or a knife, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers. Be careful not to touch your eyes or face while doing this, as jalapeños can cause a burning sensation.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
– In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Stuffing the Peppers
– Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling it evenly. You can use a small spoon or a piping bag to make the process easier.
Step 4: Wrapping with Bacon
– Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño popper. Secure the bacon in place using a toothpick if necessary.
Step 5: Baking the Poppers
– Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and the cheese filling starts to bubble.
– Keep an eye on the poppers as cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the bacon slices.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
– Once the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
– If desired, you can remove the toothpicks before serving, or leave them in for easy handling.
– Serve the poppers warm with a side of barbecue sauce for dipping.
– These delicious treats are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the bacon is still crispy and the cheese is gooey and melted.
Additional Tips:
– If you prefer a milder version, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños more thoroughly.
– For an extra kick, you can add finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese filling.
– If you don’t have bacon on hand, you can also use prosciutto or thinly sliced ham to wrap the poppers.