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Easy Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Best Party Appetizer

bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers - featured image

These Easy Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect party appetizer with a creamy, spicy, and smoky flavor. Made with simple ingredients, they’re budget-friendly, easy to prep ahead, and always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Wearing disposable gloves, cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the white membranes and seeds.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture, level with the cut edge.
  5. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice tightly around the middle of each stuffed jalapeño half, overlapping the ends on the bottom. Place seam side down on the wire rack.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking at 15 minutes. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown, and the filling bubbly.
  7. Let the poppers cool on the wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter. Optionally drizzle with honey and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid burning your hands. Don’t skip the wire rack for crispy bacon. Slice bacon in half before wrapping for even cooking. Make extra filling for larger peppers or as a spread. For milder poppers, scrape out all membranes and seeds. For spicier, leave some seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, bacon wrapped, party appetizer, game day snack, spicy appetizer, easy appetizer