Go Back

Jalapeno Poppers

This easy recipe guides you through making classic jalapeno poppers, featuring fresh jalapeno halves stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped in bacon, and slowly baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as an appetizer, they are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 40 people
Calories 1007.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Wire Rack For crispier bacon
  • 1 Chef's knife Sharp for clean cuts
  • 1 Small spoon For deseeding and filling
  • 40 Wooden Toothpicks For securing bacon

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 20 fresh jalapenos 2 to 3 inches in size
  • Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese slightly softened
  • 1 pound thin regular bacon, slices cut in half

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • If you have them, slip on some latex gloves for the pepper prep. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. With a spoon, remove the seeds and white membranes (the source of the heat; leave a little if you like things HOT). Smear cream cheese into each jalapeno half and then wrap with a bacon piece (1/2 slice). Secure by sticking a toothpick through the middle. Place on the rack in the baking sheet.
  • Bake until the bacon is sizzling and done, 1 hour 15 minutes. Serve immediately, or they're also great at room temperature.

Notes

Wearing latex gloves is highly recommended when handling jalapenos to prevent capsaicin irritation; touching your eyes after handling peppers without gloves can be very painful. While the recipe uses a low temperature for a long bake, which slowly renders bacon fat for crispness, monitor closely to prevent over-browning. For an extra layer of flavor, consider mixing a pinch of garlic powder or a small amount of shredded cheddar into the cream cheese before filling. Ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly to help it adhere and cook evenly. If you desire crispier bacon without extending bake time, a final minute or two under a broiler (watching constantly!) can achieve this, but be careful not to burn the cheese. These poppers are versatile; they are excellent warm, but also hold up well and remain delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for entertaining.