These easy jalapeno poppers are simple to make with a cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon then baked to crispy perfection. The perfect appetizer for game days and parties!

Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers arranged on a white tray with ranch dipping sauce in the center.

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Easy Jalapeno Poppers

If you’re searching for the ultimate Super Bowl appetizer, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are always a hit. They’re the perfect bite-sized snack with just the right amount of heat and crispy bacon in every bite.

More game day favorites include garlic parmesan pigs in a blanket and potato skins. If you love that creamy, spicy flavor, try a jalapeño popper dip or a jalapeño popper cheese ball for an easy crowd-pleasing spread.

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I can eat way more than my fair share of these! Addictively good.

Abby
Fresh jalapeño peppers sliced in half lengthwise and seeds removed, ready for filling.

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove both seeds and membranes.

Removing seeds from jalapeno poppers.

In a small bowl, combine cheese and onion powder and mix. Salt and pepper to taste.

Combining the cream cheese filling for jalapeno poppers in a bowl.

Fill each half with cheese filling and place on a baking sheet. Then cut the bacon in half and wrap it around the center of each jalapeño. Secure with a toothpick.

Jalapeño halves filled with cheese and wrapped in raw bacon strips on a baking sheet

Bake bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers at 400ºF for 15 to 20 minutes, until bacon is crispy and cheese golden brown. Serve and enjoy!

Golden crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers fresh out of the oven on baking pan.

Recipe Tips

  • Wear gloves while scooping out the seeds with a spoon or make sure to wash your hands after holding the peppers. You don’t want to accidentally burn your eyes (like I’ve done in the past).
  • Control the spice level by removing both the seeds and rib (membrane) inside the jalapeno.
  • Bake on the top rack in your oven for extra crispiness.
  • Use a toothpick to hold the bacon down if needed.
Easy jalapeño poppers arranged on a white plate with ranch dipping sauce in the center.

Other party appetizers include baked chicken wings, cowboy caviar and a buffalo chicken dip!

More Appetizer Recipes

Jalepeno poppers on a plate.

Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

5 from 23 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 20
These easy jalapeno poppers are simple to make with a cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon then baked to crispy perfection. The perfect appetizer for game days and parties!
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Ingredients 

  • 10 jalapeños
  • ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 10 slices thin bacon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside. Place a wire rack on top if you want the poppers to be crispy. 
  • Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and then remove the seeds and membranes. 
  • Combine 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder in a small bowl. Mix until combined. Add a dash of salt and pepper if desired. Then fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese and place on the baking sheet.
  • Cut the bacon in half and then wrap it around the center of the jalapeño. Secure with a toothpick. 
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Serve while hot. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Tip: I’ve found that using fully cooked bacon (or precooking it for 10 minutes) helps get the bacon a lot crispier. Also cooking the poppers on the top rack in the oven makes them super crispy too. 

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 109mg, Potassium: 50mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 184IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Substitutions and Variations

  • More bacon: Mix in crumbled bacon with the cream cheese filling for even more bacon flavor. It’s so good in my bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms!
  • Breadcrumb topping: Make these extra crispy with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top! It’s easy to do, just mix Panko bread crumbs with a few Tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over stuffed jalapenos.
  • Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers (grilled): Place a grill basket on the grates and heat grill to medium heat. Arrange peppers filling side up and grill for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy.

FAQs

Can I make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving. If baking cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes of cook time.

How do I make them less spicy?

Remove all the seeds and white membranes inside the jalapeños. That’s where most of the heat lives. You can also soak the sliced peppers in cold water for 30 minutes to tame the spice further.

Can I freeze jalapeño poppers?

Yes, you can freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes until the bacon is crisp and the filling is hot.

What dipping sauces go well with jalapeño poppers?

My favorite sauce to serve these with include ranch dressing topped with chopped chives but blue cheese dip or even a drizzle of honey are all great options to balance the heat.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Swap cheddar for pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The bacon will re-crisp in the oven better than the microwave.