Start the football season right with this spicy Jalapeño Poppers recipe!
Being a Wisconsinite, I’m no stranger to game-day snacks. When Packers season rolls around, I sometimes think we’re more excited about all the yummy appetizers than the games! From cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms to Buffalo chicken wings, we Wisconsinites know how to load up our trays. Jalapeño poppers are another fan favorite in my home. Best of all, they’re easy to make! I bake these poppers for Sunday football, last-minute hangouts, and just because I love ’em!
There’s just something about the combo of jalapeños, cream cheese, and smoky bacon that works, you know? They’re deliciously addictive. I think it’s because the cream cheese and cheddar filling cools down the heat from the peppers. Every bite delivers a trio of spicy, creamy, and savory notes. And they go down quite nicely with a pint from my favorite local brewery. While it may seem like jalapeño poppers were tailor-made for football and poker nights in the man cave, rest assured—once you try a bite, you’ll want to serve them whenever!
Are Jalapeño Poppers Healthy?
Okay, so jalapeño poppers aren’t the healthiest snack, especially when wrapped in bacon, but there are a couple of easy ways to lighten the caloric load. For example, you could use reduced-fat cheddar and cream cheese and trade the pork bacon for turkey bacon. But hey, if you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, these poppers already fit the bill! At least jalapeños provide vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Crispy Bacon Every Time
I have a trick that pretty much guarantees that your bacon comes out perfectly crispy without overcooking the peppers. It’s simple, really—just partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the jalapeños. I know it’s an extra step, but pre-baking the bacon for just a few minutes goes a long way and prevents your peppers from getting too soft. Give it a try!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze them for 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Jalapeño poppers taste great on their own, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest some dipping sauces like Homemade Peppercorn Ranch Salad Dressing or Sour Cream Dip. As I mentioned, these poppers are perfect for game days and parties, so you’ll want to go all out with a full spread! Serve them alongside other finger food favorites like Air-Fryer Nachos and Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks. While you’re at it, try this Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cauliflower—it’s healthy, but trust me, it doesn’t taste like it!
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeño peppers halved and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 slices bacon not thick cut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Halve and seed the jalapeño peppers. Soften the cream cheese and shred the cheddar cheese.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a slice of bacon and return to baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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