Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
- Protein 14g29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
When I think of the ultimate party snack, bacon-wrapped jalapeños immediately come to mind. You know the ones I’m talking about: perfectly crisp bacon hugging spicy jalapeños that are oozing with creamy cheese.
Just imagine these delightful bites alongside a cold beverage on a sunny day, perhaps at a backyard barbecue or a game day gathering. They are the kind of snacks that bring friends and family together. I can already hear the laughter and chatter filling the air as everyone reaches for a few to munch on before the main event.
Today, I’m sharing my go-to bacon jalapeño recipe, which has become a beloved favorite in my household. The combination of smokiness, heat, and creaminess makes these appetizers a winner every single time.
Trust me, once you try these, you may never go back to plain old finger foods again. They are delightful and incredibly simple to whip up, perfect for busy schedules and impromptu gatherings.
Bacon jalapeños are spicy pepper halves stuffed with a rich mixture of cheeses, all wrapped up in crispy bacon. This dish has roots in American cuisine and often takes center stage at parties, cookouts, and tailgates. The bold flavors and textures make them irresistibly delicious, serving as a great finger food that appeals to a wide range of palates.
The combination of jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar creates an incredible harmony of flavor. The richness of the cheeses balances the heat from the jalapeños, while the bacon adds a delightful crunch and smokiness. Moreover, baking these little jewels ensures that they cook evenly, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s this perfect blend that keeps people coming back for more.
To make these mouthwatering bacon jalapeños, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 medium jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for an extra kick
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Ingredients From : allrecipes.com/recipe
Making bacon-wrapped jalapeños is a straightforward process that involves preparing your ingredients, mixing the filling, stuffing the peppers, and then baking them to golden perfection. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to ensure these turn out perfectly.
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process more efficient. Place the halved jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon in small bowls on a clean work surface. Don’t forget your spices! This is also a great time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s hot and ready when you need it.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Add the garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. Use a spatula or fork to mix until the cheeses are well blended and smooth. This simple step is crucial as it creates a creamy filling that complements the heat from the jalapeños.
Now it’s time to fill those jalapeño halves! Using a teaspoon or a small piping bag, spoon the cheese mixture into each of the jalapeño halves. Be generous— you want a healthy amount of creamy filling in each piece. Once stuffed, place the jalapeño halves back together to make a complete pepper.
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño. Make sure to cover as much of the pepper as possible, as this will help it get wonderfully crispy when baking. Place the bacon-wrapped peppers on a prepared baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. The foil helps with easy cleanup.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Check them halfway through and, if you wish, flip the peppers to ensure an even crisp on both sides.
Once the bacon is crispy, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Allow the jalapeños to cool for a couple of minutes before serving hot. You can place these tasty bites on a platter and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese.
- Use thicker bacon: Thicker slices of bacon tend to hold together better and provide a chewier texture, which can enhance the overall bite.
- Experiment with cheese: For a twist, try adding pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or even cream cheese flavored with herbs.
- Garlic powder is optional: If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to omit it and let the cheeses and bacon shine.
- Don’t skimp on the spices: A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking can elevate the flavors even more.
- Enjoy with dips: Enhance the experience with dips! Ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli works wonders with these.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence!), allow the bacon jalapeños to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Microwave reheating is fine but may render the bacon less crispy.
- As a Game Day Snack: They pair perfectly with football and a cold beer.
- At Barbecues: A fantastic addition to your grill-out menu, complementing burgers and hot dogs.
- With a Dipping Sauce: A side of ranch or chipotle mayo adds a zesty touch.
- For Movie Nights: Bring them to the couch with a bag of tortilla chips and salsa.
- At Potluck Parties: These are always a highlight on the buffet table, elevating your contribution.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: For a smokier taste if cheddar is unavailable.
- Vegetarian Bacon: If you’re looking for a meat-free option, plant-based strips can work well.
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: Use a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Other Peppers: If jalapeños are too spicy, consider mild peppers like banana peppers or mini sweet peppers.
- Spices: Instead of garlic powder, you could add a touch of onion powder or cumin for a different flavor profile.
Bacon-wrapped jalapeños are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether you're hosting a gathering, preparing for game day, or just craving a tasty snack, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
With their crispy bacon exterior, creamy cheese filling, and spicy burst, they are sure to be a star in your kitchen and your social gatherings. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
Today, I’m sharing my go-to bacon jalapeño recipe, which has become a beloved favorite in my household. The combination of smokiness, heat, and creaminess makes these appetizers a winner every single time.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use thicker bacon: Thicker slices of bacon tend to hold together better and provide a chewier texture, which can enhance the overall bite.
- Experiment with cheese: For a twist, try adding pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or even cream cheese flavored with herbs.
- Garlic powder is optional: If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to omit it and let the cheeses and bacon shine.
- Don’t skimp on the spices: A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking can elevate the flavors even more.
- Enjoy with dips: Enhance the experience with dips! Ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli works wonders with these.
Lauren Miller is a Maryland-based registered dietitian and the creator of Comfort Food Meals, where she shares easy, nutritious, and heartwarming recipes inspired by her love for comforting, home-cooked meals. With a focus on using wholesome ingredients, Lauren aims to balance indulgence with nutrition in every dish. Her goal is to help others create meals that nourish both body and soul.