Elevate your snack game with these Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites — a delightful fusion of bold flavors and visual appeal that will transform your comfort food favorites into a culinary masterpiece. As Chef Crenn of CrennRecipes.com, I invite you to experience the art of comfort, where every bite is a delicious journey that celebrates the beauty of simple pleasures.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
Indulge in the ultimate balance of flavors and textures with these Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites. Cozy yet refined, these irresistible morsels feature a tempting blend of melted cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeño, wrapped in a crispy, savory bacon blanket. Satisfying and visually stunning, these bites are the perfect appetizer or snack to elevate any gathering, from casual game nights to elegant dinner parties. Prepare to delight your guests with a delicate, gourmet treat that celebrates the art of comfort food.
Ingredients
To create these Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites, you’ll need just a few simple, high-quality ingredients: fresh jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and thick-cut bacon. These luscious components come together to form a decadent and elegant bite-sized treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- 8-10 jalapeños – fresh, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – high-quality
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon – halved
- Toothpicks (for assembly)
- Chives or green onions (optional garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese for a creamy, slightly spicy filling.
- Jalapeños: Substitute mild green chiles for a milder flavor profile.
How to Make Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
Follow these simple steps to create your own gourmet Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites at home.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the jalapeños into rounds, removing the seeds and membranes to adjust the spice level to your liking. Shred the cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s ready to be easily incorporated into the filling.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Carefully wrap each jalapeño round with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Generously spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of each bacon-wrapped jalapeño, gently pressing it down to help it adhere.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches (if needed)
Once the bites are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Optionally, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions for a delicate, elegant touch.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Crispy Bacon: To ensure the bacon is perfectly crispy, use thick-cut bacon and wrap it tightly around the jalapeño rounds. Baking the bites on a parchment-lined sheet also helps the bacon cook evenly.
- Flavor Twist: For a luscious, indulgent version, try wrapping the jalapeños in prosciutto or pancetta instead of bacon. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or a blend of cheddar and Monterey jack, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Fresh Accents: To add a burst of freshness, consider topping the bites with a dollop of cool sour cream or a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and focus on the jalapeño and cheddar cheese combination for a satisfying vegetarian version of these bites.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is melted and the bacon is at its crispiest. Serve them on a platter or in a bowl, allowing your guests to indulge in the cozy, gourmet experience.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and chill the unbaked bites until you’re ready to pop them in the oven.
Nutrition Information
These Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites are a delightful indulgence, combining the savory richness of bacon and cheddar cheese with the subtle heat of jalapeños. While they may be a bit higher in calories and fat than some snack options, they are a satisfying and visually stunning treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each bite-sized morsel offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making them a truly gourmet and comforting experience.
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and chill the unbaked bites until you’re ready to pop them in the oven.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing them. The more of the seeds and membranes you remove, the milder the bites will be. For a spicier version, you can leave some of the seeds and membranes intact. You can also substitute milder green chiles for the jalapeños.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese to create unique flavor profiles. Try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey jack, or opt for a spicier pepper jack cheese. The possibilities are endless when it comes to elevating the cheese component.
How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?
To achieve the perfect crispy bacon, be sure to use thick-cut bacon and wrap it tightly around the jalapeño rounds. Additionally, baking the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps the bacon cook evenly and prevent it from sticking. Keep a close eye on the bites during the baking process and adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Can I make these bites vegetarian?
While the bacon is an integral part of this recipe, you can certainly make a vegetarian version by substituting the bacon with a plant-based alternative, such as tempeh or tofu bacon. Alternatively, you can simply omit the bacon and focus on the jalapeño and cheddar cheese combination, which will still result in a delightful and satisfying snack.
Try These Next
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Cheddar Filling
- Garlic Butter Cheddar Crust Sheet Pan Chicken Bites With Smoky Bacon
Delectable Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Cheddar Bites are a deliciously spicy and savory appetizer, perfect for parties or game day. These bites combine creamy cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños, all wrapped in crispy bacon for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
12 jalapeños, halved and seeded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 slices of bacon, cut in half
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
4. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add chopped green onions or spices to the cheese mixture. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg