Jalapeño poppers are a classic snack with a delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures. These bite-sized treats are made by stuffing fresh jalapeños with a rich mixture of cream cheese and cheddar, then wrapping them in smoky bacon. The jalapeños are baked until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted to perfection. This recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun appetizer at home.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the jalapeños by slicing them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or knife, depending on how spicy you like your poppers.
Make the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
Stuff the jalapeños with the cheese mixture, using a spoon to press the filling into each pepper half.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
Place the jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
For a milder version, soak the jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes after deseeding to reduce the heat. Experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a unique flavor twist. Add finely chopped cooked bacon or herbs like chives to the cheese mixture for extra flavor. To make the poppers even crispier, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.