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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños with Cream Cheese

bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños - featured image

A quick and easy appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, wrapped in crispy bacon for a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 12 thin slices bacon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch any bacon drippings.
  2. Carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out seeds and membranes unless you want it spicy. Wearing gloves is recommended.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, shredded cheddar (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, being generous but not overfilling.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one thin slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to hold together. Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise if needed for portion control.
  6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping each jalapeño halfway through at about 12 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  8. Check that the bacon is golden and crisp and the jalapeños are slightly softened but still holding shape. Broil for 1-2 minutes if extra crispiness is desired, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Soften cream cheese before stuffing for easier spreading.’, ‘Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes to control heat and prevent leaking.’, ‘Use thin bacon for quicker, even crisping.’, ‘Flip jalapeños halfway through baking for even bacon crispiness.’, ‘Broil briefly at the end for extra crisp but watch carefully to avoid burning.’, ‘Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.’, ‘Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before baking.’, ‘Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for crispier bacon by allowing fat to drip away.’, ‘For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with coconut-based alternatives.’, ‘For milder heat, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeños, bacon-wrapped, stuffed jalapeños, cream cheese, appetizer, party food, spicy snack, easy recipe