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Best Easy Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites

bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper bites - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. With a creamy, cheesy filling and perfectly crispy bacon, they’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1216 fresh jalapeños
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1216 slices thin-cut bacon
  • Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with non-stick spray.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or paring knife to scrape out the white membranes and seeds. You should have 24-32 halves.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, using about a heaping teaspoon per half. Do not overstuff.
  5. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap one bacon half tightly around the middle of each stuffed jalapeño, slightly overlapping the ends. Place seam-side down on the wire rack.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping each bite over with tongs at the 15-minute mark, until bacon is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Let the bites rest on the rack for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chives if desired.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid burning your skin. For extra crispy bacon, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. These can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. For an air fryer adaptation, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition

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