Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers from CrennRecipes.com. Crafted with care by Chef Crenn, this elevated appetizer combines the rich, creamy indulgence of cheese with the savory, smoky bite of bacon and the subtle heat of jalapeño. Prepare to delight your taste buds and wow your guests with this visually stunning, yet surprisingly simple-to-make recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible harmony of flavors and textures in this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers recipe. Melted cheese oozes over the crisp, golden-brown exterior, while the bacon lends a delectable smoky essence and the jalapeño provides a tantalizing kick. This decadent appetizer is not only bursting with gourmet flavor, but also a feast for the eyes, with its elegant presentation and beautiful, visually stunning design. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting, elevated snack, these poppers are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated selection of high-quality, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly remarkable dish. You’ll need jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, panko breadcrumbs, and a few simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- 12 jalapeño peppers – for the perfect balance of heat and flavor
- 8 oz cream cheese – provides a rich, creamy base
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – melts beautifully for a gooey texture
- 6 slices crispy bacon – lends a delectable smoky essence
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – creates a crisp, golden-brown coating
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Variety: Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese – a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Peppers: Habanero or serrano peppers – perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Prepare to delight your senses with this step-by-step guide to crafting the ultimate Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preparing the jalapeños. Slice them in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to adjust the heat level to your liking. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill the jalapeño halves with the creamy, cheesy bacon mixture, pressing it in gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the panko breadcrumbs, giving them a light coating.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, creating a delectable, crunchy topping. Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: For a touch of elegance, try drizzling a balsamic glaze or honey over the Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers just before serving.
- Herb & Spice Blends: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Make-Ahead: To make these poppers ahead of time, simply prepare and assemble them, then bake when ready to serve.
- Air Fryer Variation: For a crispier texture, you can also bake the Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers in an air fryer.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh salsa, ranch dressing, or a zesty guacamole for dipping.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To restore the crisp, golden-brown exterior, reheat the poppers in the oven or air fryer.
Make-Ahead: Prepare and assemble the poppers in advance, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free entertaining experience.
Nutrition Information
Each Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Popper is a delightful balance of indulgence and moderation, with a satisfying combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and the subtle heat of jalapeño. While these poppers are meant to be enjoyed as an occasional treat, they can be incorporated into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers in advance, then bake them when ready to serve. This makes them an excellent choice for entertaining, as you can have the hard work done ahead of time.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make the poppers less spicy, you can remove more of the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For a hotter version, you can use serrano or habanero peppers in place of the jalapeños.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other varieties, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your personal preferences.
How do I store any leftover poppers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the poppers in the oven or an air fryer until they’re heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I make these poppers vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use a plant-based cheese alternative. The Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers will still be delicious without the bacon, with the cheese and jalapeño providing the primary flavors.
Try These Next
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
- Satisfying Snacks Appetizers
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Deliciously cheesy and spicy, these jalapeño poppers are wrapped in crispy bacon for the ultimate snack experience.
Ingredients
12 jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Dip each stuffed jalapeño in breadcrumbs to coat.
6. Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg