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Quick Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe (Easy!)

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These quick smoky bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are fast, use simple ingredients, and deliver big, bold flavor without any fuss. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a weeknight snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • Chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Ranch dressing or sour cream (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes. Place the hollowed-out halves on your cutting board, cut-side up.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
  4. Using a small spoon or a butter knife, fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff—you want the filling to be level with the cut edge, not mounded on top.
  5. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each filled jalapeno half, starting at one end and overlapping slightly as you go. The bacon should cover the filling completely. Place the poppers seam-side down on the baking sheet.
  6. Arrange the wrapped jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and browned, and the filling is bubbly. At the 15-minute mark, check on them—if the bacon isn’t crisping up, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them under the broiler.
  7. Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the poppers to a serving platter, garnish with fresh chives if you like, and serve warm.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid burning your hands. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing. Thin-cut bacon works best for even cooking. Place poppers seam-side down to hold bacon in place without toothpicks. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning. Poppers can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Unbaked poppers can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, bacon wrapped, appetizer, game day snack, spicy, creamy, quick, easy

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/quick-smoky-bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers-recipe-easy/