Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
room temperature
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces Mexican style four-cheese blend)
(I used Kraft brand finely shredded
- 12 medium-sized jalapeño peppers
sliced in half with seeds and veins removed
- 24 pieces thin-sliced bacon
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- 2
Line two large rimmed baking trays with a piece of aluminum foil. Place an oven-safe baking rack (one that fits inside the baking tray) over the top of the foil. Set aside.
- 3
In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes or until no lumps remain.
- 4
Add the shredded Mexican cheese blend and mix on low just until all the cheese has been fully incorporated.
- 5
Fill each jalapeño half with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- 6
Once you have filled all the jalapeños with cheese, you can wrap each one with a single slice of bacon. Make sure that it covers the entire jalapeño with as little overlap as possible. Try to start, and end your wrap on the back side of the jalapeño popper so that when you place it on the baking rack, the end pieces are on the bottom.
- 7
Place poppers, cheese-filled side facing up, onto the prepared baking tray in a single layer.
- 8
Place the trays of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight, to allow the cream cheese to firm back up. This helps to keep the cream cheese from oozing out of the poppers when baked.
- 9
Bake for 25 minutes.
- 10
Turn your oven to broil, and broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the bacon crisp up. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly on the broil setting.
- 11
Allow the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers to cool slightly before plating and serving.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate party snack that always disappears first? These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are your answer, bringing together irresistible flavors and textures in every bite. They're a surefire hit for any gathering, from game day celebrations to casual get-togethers.
This recipe expertly balances the creamy richness of cheese with the fiery kick of jalapeños, all enveloped in savory, crispy bacon. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes designed to be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of room temperature cream cheese and a Mexican four-cheese blend ensures a wonderfully smooth and melty filling that sets these apart from more basic versions.
Once baked, you can anticipate a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The thin-sliced bacon becomes wonderfully crispy and savory, encasing a perfectly tender, slightly charred jalapeño. Inside, the cream cheese and Mexican four-cheese blend melt into a rich, creamy core that beautifully tames the pepper's natural heat. The subtle garlic and onion powder enhance the savory depth, making each bite utterly satisfying. The preparation is straightforward, and the yield of 24 poppers makes it ideal for feeding a crowd.
While delicious as is, these poppers offer great flexibility. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the Mexican cheese blend for a sharp cheddar or even a spicier pepper jack. If you prefer less heat, use a slightly larger jalapeño or even small bell peppers; for more fire, you could leave a few seeds in a couple of the peppers. Instead of thin-sliced bacon, a slightly thicker cut can be used, though you might need to adjust cooking time to ensure it crisps up nicely.
These savory poppers are the quintessential appetizer for game days, holiday parties, or any casual get-together where delicious finger food is a must. Serve them warm straight from the oven for the best experience.