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Best Easy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe

bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper bites - featured image

Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper bites with a creamy, cheesy filling. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack, these are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1012 medium jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1012 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Partially cook the bacon: Place bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until just starting to render fat but still flexible. Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.
  3. Prepare the jalapeños: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out seeds and white membranes. For milder poppers, remove all membranes; for more heat, leave some intact.
  4. Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  5. Fill the jalapeño halves: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Do not overfill.
  6. Wrap with bacon: Take a half-slice of partially cooked bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half, starting at one end and overlapping slightly. Place seam-side down on the wire rack.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and golden brown and filling is bubbly. Rotate the pan at the 15-minute mark if needed.
  8. Optional broiler finish: If bacon needs extra crisping, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Let rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Partially pre-cooking the bacon is key to achieving crispy results. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bacon. For make-ahead, assemble poppers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5 minutes to baking time. For freezing, freeze unbaked poppers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper bites, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, game day snack, easy appetizer, crispy bacon, cream cheese jalapeño poppers