Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further! These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and spicy kick. Whether it’s game day or a casual gathering, these treats are sure to be a hit.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 12 large jalapeño peppers
– 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
– 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 pinch kosher salt
– 1 pinch ground black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 12 slices bacon, halved widthwise
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 24 poppers
Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, perfect for sharing or as a delightful snack at home!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños
Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon to reduce the heat level. Arrange the cleaned jalapeño halves on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
Step 4: Stuff the Jalapeños
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half evenly with the cream cheese mixture. Smooth out the tops to ensure an even finish.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Poppers
Place the prepared jalapeño poppers in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. They are ready when the bacon is browned and crispy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the jalapeño poppers to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to avoid burns and enhance flavor.
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting Spice Level
For milder poppers, ensure that you remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, leave some seeds intact.
Note 2: Cheese Variations
Feel free to customize the cheese mixture by adding other types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for different flavors and textures.
Note 3: Bacon Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon or even omitting the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
These jalapeño poppers can be served as an appetizer or snack. Consider pairing them with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy salsa.
Cook techniques
Prepping the Peppers
Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat and bitterness.
Mixing the Filling
Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Stuffing the Peppers
Use a spoon to fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
Bacon Wrapping
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold it in place while baking.
Baking
Place the prepared jalapeño poppers on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until the bacon is crispy and browned, usually about 25-30 minutes.
Cooling Before Serving
Let the poppers cool for at least 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly and to avoid burns when serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
How do I make these spicier?
You can leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños or add hot sauce or diced hot peppers to the cream cheese mixture.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the jalapeños and wrap them in bacon ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
What can I serve with jalapeño poppers?
These poppers pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy salsa for extra flavor.
Can I freeze jalapeño poppers?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffed jalapeños. Just freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
These jalapeño poppers are a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in crispy bacon. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or a tasty snack at home. Once you make these, they are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Enjoy them warm and watch them disappear!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheddar-Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Substitute jalapeños with button mushrooms, and fill them with a similar cream cheese and cheddar mixture before wrapping them in bacon.
Crab-Stuffed Jalapeños
Add lump crab meat to the cream cheese mixture for an upscale twist on classic jalapeño poppers.
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
Incorporate shredded buffalo chicken into the cream cheese filling for a spicy and tangy version.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Omit the bacon and mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with the cream cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
Instead of bacon, use cooked spicy sausage to wrap the stuffed jalapeños for an extra kick.
