Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños: The Ultimate Appetizer for Any Occasion
These bacon wrapped jalapeños are the perfect spicy, cheesy, and savory appetizer. Easy to prep and always a crowd favorite—perfect for parties, game day, and more!
If you're looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s spicy, creamy, smoky, and just a little indulgent, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños are your new go-to. These little bites of heaven are ideal for game day, family gatherings, holiday parties, or even casual backyard cookouts. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create something totally crave-worthy and ridiculously easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold flavor: Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of smoky bacon, spicy jalapeño, and rich, creamy cheese.
Easy prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or even add sweet elements like a drizzle of honey or brown sugar.
Crowd-favorite: These poppers disappear fast—so maybe make a double batch 😉
Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Work
Let’s dig into the ingredients and talk about how each one adds something special to this dish:
12 Large Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeños are the heart of this dish. When baked, they mellow out a bit but still keep a nice kick. Larger peppers make it easier to fill and wrap.
Tip: Use gloves when handling raw jalapeños. The oils can linger and cause serious eye burn if touched later!
8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
The creamy base for our filling. Cream cheese provides a smooth texture that helps balance out the heat from the jalapeños.
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Plus More for Garnish)
Cheddar adds a sharp bite and classic melty cheese factor. Feel free to mix in pepper jack or mozzarella for extra flair.
2 Green Onions, Diced
Adds freshness, crunch, and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
12 Slices of Bacon
Salty, smoky bacon crisps up beautifully and wraps everything in a savory hug. Pre-cooking the bacon slightly ensures the final product is crispy and cooked through.
Tip: Use thinner bacon—it wraps better and crisps up faster.
¼ tsp Garlic Powder
Adds a savory depth without overpowering.
¼ tsp Onion Powder
A subtle boost of flavor that supports the green onions.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Smoky and slightly sweet, this spice takes the flavor to the next level and enhances the overall presentation.
Instructions – Step by Step
Here’s exactly how to make these cheesy, spicy, bacon-wrapped gems:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Precook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for 3–5 minutes, just until it starts to render but is still pliable. This ensures ultra-crispy bacon after baking.
Prepare the peppers: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Use a spoon or small paring knife.
Mix the filling: In a bowl, stir together:
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar
2 diced green onions
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Fill the peppers: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Don’t overfill—just a nice mound.
Top with more cheddar (optional but highly recommended).
Wrap with bacon: Cut the 12 slices of bacon in half. Wrap each filled jalapeño with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Sprinkle with smoked paprika for flavor and color.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for that irresistible crispy finish.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Substitutions
Make it milder: Swap jalapeños for mini sweet peppers if you're serving kids or spice-sensitive guests.
Add a sweet twist: Brush with a bit of maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the poppers the day before and store in the fridge. Bake right before serving.
Air Fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a quicker alternative.
Why This Dish Works Every Time
These bacon-wrapped jalapeños have the perfect combination of textures and flavors. They’re:
Creamy from the cheese,
Crunchy and smoky from the bacon,
And spicy and zesty from the peppers and paprika.
They’re also highly Instagrammable—golden, melty, crispy, and irresistible!
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes or air fry for 4–5 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.
Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked poppers on a tray. Once frozen, store in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5–7 minutes.
Serving Ideas
Set them on a platter with ranch or blue cheese dip.
Pair with ice-cold beer or a smoky margarita.
Serve alongside nachos, sliders, or wings for a party spread.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
These bacon wrapped jalapeños are the perfect spicy, cheesy, and savory appetizer. Easy to prep and always a crowd favorite—perfect for parties, game day, and more!
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 green onions, diced
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Precook bacon for 3–5 minutes in a pan; it should be pliable, not crispy.
- Halve jalapeños and remove seeds and membranes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Top with extra cheddar.
- Wrap each with half a slice of bacon. Use toothpicks if needed.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika.
- Bake 20–25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Ready to impress at your next gathering? Try these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños and watch them disappear in minutes! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to:
👉 Pin it to your favorite appetizer board
👉 Share it on social media and tag @CookSnapBake
👉 Leave a review in the comments to let us know how yours turned out!
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These bacon wrapped jalapeños are the perfect spicy, cheesy, and savory appetizer. Easy to prep and always a crowd favorite—perfect for parties, game day, and more!