Best Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Easy Tailgate Appetizer
These bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are the ultimate game day appetizer—smoky, creamy, spicy, and completely addictive. With just five ingredients and 45 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears before halftime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 medium fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
- Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out seeds and white membranes.
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling generously but not overflowing.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice around each filled jalapeño, overlapping ends on the bottom. Place seam-side down on the wire rack.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bacon is crispy and golden brown and peppers are tender.
- Let cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid capsaicin burns. For extra crispy bacon, microwave bacon slices for 30 seconds before wrapping. If bacon browns too fast, tent with foil for last 10 minutes. Poppers can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, or frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
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