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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of perfectly cooked bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, with one cut open to reveal the creamy cheese filling.

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Easy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers filled with cream cheese and cheddar, perfect for game day or parties. Learn how to get crispy bacon and avoid common issues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 large jalapenos
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 68 slices bacon, cut in half

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and dry the jalapenos. Cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno oils.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a half-slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for oven) or directly in the air fryer basket.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven, or 12-15 minutes in the air fryer, until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your appliance and desired bacon crispiness.
  8. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For make-ahead: Prepare the poppers up to the bacon-wrapping stage and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
  • To prevent filling from leaking, ensure the cream cheese mixture is firm enough and don’t overstuff the jalapenos.
  • If you prefer less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapenos.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
  • Consider using a wire rack set over a baking sheet in the oven to allow heat to circulate for crispier bacon all around.

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