Description
These Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños are a crowd-pleasing appetizer combining spicy jalapeños with a creamy cheese filling and crispy bacon. Perfect for game day or any gathering, they're easy to prepare and bake until golden and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
Filling
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Wrapping
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and place a cooling rack on top to allow air circulation during baking.
- Prepare the peppers: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat if desired. Arrange the halves cut-side up on a tray or plate.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined. Adjust salt if needed to taste.
- Assemble the jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Wrap each stuffed half with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick through the center to hold everything in place.
- Bake: Place the stuffed jalapeños on the rack-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until the bacon is browned and crisp. For extra crispiness, broil for the last minute while watching carefully.
- Serve and store: Serve the jalapeños warm as a delicious appetizer. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- You can assemble jalapeños up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate until baking to save time.
- If you prefer milder flavor, substitute jalapeños with mini sweet peppers.
- Use shredded Mexican-style or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- For best texture, shred cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded.
- These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes in batches if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapeño halves
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
