Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect party appetizer! Made with a creamy filling and wrapped in crispy bacon, these jalapeno poppers are an irresistible low-carb appetizer that will light any appetite on fire!
Looking for more recipes that bacon simply makes better? Check out my recipes for Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Ranch Potato Salad, and BLT Salad.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Prove Everything is Better with Bacon
Adding bacon to any recipe makes it appeal to the masses, and it is no different when it comes to Jalapeno Poppers. The savory, rich flavor of the bacon adds incredible flavor to both the jalapenos themselves and the creamy filling. The bacon also replaces the classic breadcrumb coating, making this appetizer low-carb and gluten-free. Just be warned, you may need to hide these jalapeno poppers from your family if you intend to take them to a party. They disappear faster than Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and that is saying something!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Soak Toothpicks in Water
I like to use toothpicks to help secure the bacon to the stuffed jalapenos. You can opt to skip this step, but if you plan to use toothpicks, you want to soak the toothpicks in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent them from burning while the poppers bake or grill.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
The filling for these jalapeno poppers is made simply by combining cream cheese with salt and spices. Keep in mind you want to be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before preparing the jalapeno popper filling so that everything combines easily together.
Select Large Jalapenos
You want to select relatively large jalapenos so that they are easy to stuff with the cream cheese filling. Keep in mind, it is best to use caution when working with hot peppers. I recommend using plastic gloves OR washing your hands very thoroughly after slicing the peppers open and removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeno.
Don’t Overstuff the Jalapenos
You want to fill each half of the jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture so that the cavity is full, but not overflowing with cream cheese or the filling will not be contained by the bacon.
Don’t Overlap the Bacon
You want to cover the jalapeno popper entirely with bacon, but it is best to not overlap the bacon much, as that prevents it from crisping up. Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may only need half a slice of bacon per popper.
Bake, Smoke, or Grill the Jalapeno Poppers
You can opt to grill, smoke, or even bake your poppers. I have provided instructions for each variation in the recipe card.
recipe modifications
For really crispy bacon: If you want SUPER crispy bacon, I recommend pre-cooking your bacon before assembling the jalapeno poppers. Microwave the bacon for 2 minutes on a paper-towel-lined plate or bake the bacon in a 400-degree F oven for 5 minutes prior to assembling the jalapeno poppers.
Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers: For a cheesy filling, add up to ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to cream cheese mixture.
Storage/Make-Ahead Directions
Make-Ahead: Jalapeno Poppers can be assembled up to cooking 3 days before cooking. Assemble as directed, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3 days. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking as directed.
Store: Let the bacon-wrapped poppers cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: For best results, broil jalapeno poppers for 2-3 minutes to warm through and keep the bacon crispy.
More Favorite Appetizer Recipes
If you tried these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, I would love to know how you enjoyed them! Leave a comment and review below.
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Jalapeno Poppers
Spicy jalapenos are stuffed with a smoky cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon, and grilled or baked to perfection for one spicy, creamy bite that is sure to light any appetite on fire!
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Course: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutesCook Time: 28 minutes minutesSoaking Time: 15 minutes minutesTotal Time: 52 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 88kcal
Cook ModePrevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.
InstructionsSoak toothpicks or wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 15-30 minutes. Combine cream cheese with paprika, garlic, onion powder and salt.Fill the cavity of each jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture, and then wrap a slice of the bacon securely around the jalapeno. Secure with a toothpick. To Grill Jalapeno PoppersTo Smoke Jalapeno PoppersPlace the assembled jalapeno poppers onto a smoker heated to 200 degrees, cut side up. Smoke for 25-30 minutes until the jalapenos are soft and the bacon is cooked. Turn the smoker up to 375 degrees, flip, and smoke for an additional 10 minutes, flipping once half-way through , or until bacon is crispy and rendered. Keep a close eye on the poppers as to not burn the bacon.
NotesBacon: Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may only need a half a slice of bacon per popper. You want to cover the jalapeno popper entirely with bacon, but it is best to not overlap the bacon much, as that prevents it from crisping up. Turkey bacon works, but will not render as much flavor.
For Super Crispy Bacon: If you would like really crispy bacon, I recommend pre-cooking your bacon before assembling the jalapeno poppers by microwaving the bacon for 2 minutes on a paper-towel-lined sheet or baking in a 400-degree oven for 5 minutes.
Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers: Add up to ½ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to cream cheese mixture for Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers.
Make-Ahead: You can pre-make these poppers for a party up to 3 days in advance before cooking. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 3 days in advance and then cook as directed.
Leftovers: Refrigerate the cooled poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, it is best to pop under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to warm through and re-crisp the bacon up.
Tip for Working with Jalapenos: Wear disposable gloves when dealing with jalapenos or wash your hands thoroughly after handling and do not touch your eyes or mouth.
NutritionCalories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 259mg | Potassium: 98mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 10.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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