Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers, with or without bacon, are full of flavor, oh so cheesy and baked, air fried or grilled.

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers—Best Homemade Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

These cream cheese stuffed jalapenos are super popular and if you haven't tried one you'll know why as soon as you take your first bite. They are tasty little handheld cheesy, creamy bites of heaven with a little heat and so much flavor.

They are air fried, baked or grilled and can be dipped in cheese, salsa or even ranch dressing. I have even made a jalapeno popper dip, which I should put up on this site.

The jalapeno popper dip is fabulous too. I just added it to my to-do list! If you'd like a copy in the meantime just send me a comment at the bottom of this post and I will gladly share it with you.

My son loves jalapeno everything and I believe could exist and thrive on these bacon wrapped cream cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers. We enjoy them but he LOVES them.

He doesn't even care if they're wrapped in bacon or not and painted with barbecue sauce. He makes them both ways regularly, all on his own, and can't decide which version he prefers.

I can't wait to hear what you all think. Honestly, my husband loves bacon and prefers these wrapped in it because the more bacon the better as far as he's concerned.

My son says both methods taste AMAZING and he decides which to make depending on his mood. Sometimes he said he doesn't feel like all of the extra bacon.

I know he gets that from me.

These jalapeno poppers that are not wrapped in bacon are carefully cut in half and packed with the creamiest full of flavor filling and baked until golden and all bubbly.

Alternatively, these jalapeno poppers are wrapped in bacon and baked, grilled or air fried.

Perfect for any day of the week. Any excuse will do. All are delicious.

This recipe requires minimal preparation and is just the simplest appetizer to create at home. These homemade jalapeno poppers taste so much better than those purchased in a restaurant or bought frozen at your local market.

Just wait until you try them!

These are the perfect snacks for movie night, game day or for a party! You'll always be asked for the recipe. I always am. 

If you need a simple, crowd pleasing appetizer that is easy to transport and eat, you have found the perfect recipe!

You might even want to consider making a double batch, these little guys disappear quickly!

I almost forgot to mention, if you're looking to serve these air fryer jalapeno poppers at a spooky kind of event you have to check out our air fryer or oven baked bacon wrapped jalapeno popper mummies! They are so adorable and super tasty too!

How to Cut a Jalapeño Pepper

You have to be so careful when preparing hot peppers of any kind. Using rubber gloves is a terrific idea, whenever possible, to protect yourself.

You have to remember that do not touch your eyes and face. No matter what.

There are oils or a compound called capsaicin found in the seeds and inner membranes of the peppers that can cause burns when in contact with your skin and especially your eyes!

Oh let me tell you how much it hurts if you get some inside your eye. I have done it and it's plain awful.

First, remove ends if desired. I try to leave the stem attached so they look better and the presentation is a little cuter, in my opinion.

Slice your jalapenos in half, the long side of length of each jalapeno. 

Scrape out as much of the white membrane and seeds as desired from the center of each. You can scrape with a spoon or your fingers.

Myself, I remove all of the membrane and seeds before stuffing my jalapeños to reduce the amount of heat from the peppers.

My son always leaves some of the membrane and I'm sure a few seeds because he just loves heat and he can handle it.

He also removes about ⅓ of the pepper and never cuts them in half.

He uses the top third of the jalapeno to dice and add into the cheesy mixture he is stuffing inside each pepper. My son LOVES them this way because there is more filling inside each.

How to Dice a Jalapeño Pepper

My son loves to dice jalapeno peppers and include them with so many things. Just in case you would like to do the same, here is the best way to dice an entire jalapeno pepper.

Once peppers are sliced in half lengthwise, gently press each half into your cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, cut long, thin, about ⅛ of an inch wide strips with each jalapeno half.

Then turn the bundle of strips and cut into tiny or pieces that are ⅛ of an inch wide as well.

How to Choose a Jalapeno

When you're choosing a jalapeno for bacon wrapped cream cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers, it's actually easier than you think.

The first thing you need to know is that older peppers are generally hotter than younger peppers.

As they age, they become a darker green color and marks gradually appear along the side or length of each jalapeno pepper. Therefore, if you notice the jalapeño that is a somewhat lighter green color with unmarked skin, it is most likely a young, milder flavored pepper.

Tips

• purchase jalapenos that are about the same size so they cook at the same rate
• remove unwrapped poppers from the oven just as cheese starts to turn golden brown, beyond that your cheese may cause your poppers to lean to the side. Not to worry if it happens just press filling back inside the jalapeno
• use baby sweet bell peppers if you aren't looking for spice or want another option for company who dislike jalapenos
• remove toothpicks before serving or leave them in to make it easier for people to grab a bacon wrapped jalapeno popper
• a sharp paring knife makes slicing jalapeños super easy
• use pre-cooked bacon or store bought crumbled bacon to save yourself some time
• add extra cheese on top of poppers made that aren't wrapped in bacon
• try using different combinations of cheese including cheddar, parmesan, goat cheese, mozzarella, Colby or Monterey jack cheese and more

How to Get Bacon Crispy for Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Making bacon crispy around each jalapeno popper is easy by cooking them on a rack inside a baking sheet at 400 degrees for between 20 and 25 minutes.

The rack allows air to circulate around the bacon which will make it crispy on all sides of your jalapeno popper.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

• 8 slices bacon, not thick cut
• 12 jalapeños, halved lengthwise with stems left intact, seeds and ribs removed, between 3 and 4 inches long
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 2-3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, if desired
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, chili powder, taco seasoning, curry powder, paprika or coriander
• cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, dashes of sriracha or hot sauce, to taste
• cooked medium Shrimp, deveined and shelled (one for each jalapeño half), optional
• cooked ground beef, leftover roast beef, sausage, shredded chicken or crab meat.
• bacon strips, cut in half crosswise to match number of jalapeño halves
• toothpick for each jalapeño half
• ¼ cup Barbecue Sauce of choice, if wrapping in bacon

If using shrimp, sauté in skillet in 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil until pink on both sides. Set aside until ready to use. If using ½ pound ground beef or sausage use a skillet to brown it, then place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Allow meat to totally cool before blending with cheese mixture.

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet and a rack sprayed with cooking spray.

Cook bacon in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy, 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate. When bacon is cool enough to handle, chop fine and set aside.

Instructions for Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers Not Wrapped in Bacon

Season jalapeños with salt and place cut side down on wire a rack. Bake until just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.

Remove jalapeños from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 450 degrees.

When cool enough to handle, flip jalapeños cut side up.

Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, bacon, garlic powder, scallions, cilantro, panko, egg yolk, lime juice, cumin, and bacon together in a bowl until thoroughly incorporated and creamy.

Divide cheese mixture among jalapeños, pressing into cavities.

Bake until jalapeños are tender and filling is lightly browned, 9 to 11 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve.

Instructions for Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon

Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, bacon, garlic powder, scallions, cilantro, panko, egg yolk, lime juice, cumin, and bacon together in a bowl until thoroughly incorporated and creamy.

Divide cheese mixture among jalapeños, pressing into cavities. Fill each jalapeño half with about 1 tablespoon cheese mixture. Don’t overfill.

Bake until jalapeños are tender and filling is lightly browned, 9 to 11 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve.

Top each half with a shrimp.

Wrap each jalapeño half with bacon and secure with a wooden toothpick.

Brush each half with barbecue sauce if desired.

How Long to Cook Jalapeno Poppers?

Your cooking time will change based on which option you choose.

Grilling Option:

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, place each jalapeno popper with indirect heat to prevent burning.

I don't recommend placing jalapeno poppers directly on top of your oiled grate because they usually burn and can easily fall through.

You can always use a grilling mat or some greased aluminum foil to grill poppers on top of. Make sure that none of your peppers are leaning to one side or the other or the filling might fall out.

Wrapped in Bacon

Leave on grill 20-25 minutes or until bacon crisps and cheese is melted.

Not Wrapped in Bacon

Grill for about 10 minutes and heated through.

Other great recipes for bacon lovers

Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Chicken
Bacon Wrapped Garlic Chicken Thighs
Cheesy Bacon Bites

Oven Option:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place poppers on a parchment lined pan.

Bake for 20 minutes.

If desired, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown tops.

Let sit about 10 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer:

To cook bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in your air fryer, prepare as directed, then cook at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your peppers.

If not wrapped in bacon only 10 minutes are needed.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container and will last about 3 days inside your fridge, including the day you made them.

Place in the oven at 350 degrees on a rimmed baking sheet coated in cooking spray for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.

You can also reheat in a microwave if necessary.

Can I make Jalapeno Poppers Ahead of Time?

Oh yes you can!

Option 1: First, you can make the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it inside your fridge covered or in an airtight container. Just remember to remove from the fridge about 45 minutes before needed so it's easier to stuff your peppers.

Option 2: Prepare cheese mixture and stuff each of your jalapeños but do not cook them. Place inside your fridge covered or in an airtight container until needed.

They will last in your fridge for up to 3 days.

Add a few extra minutes to your baking time.

Can You Freeze Your Jalapeño Poppers?

There is some controversy here about whether freezing these jalapeno poppers works well. Some recommend it and some don't.

Some believe the texture of the poppers is adversely affected after freezing. They can turn mushy or soggy in some cases.

I leave the decision to freeze up to you. We do it ourselves but my close friend Julie refuses to and we use the same recipe. For what it's worth, I have served her frozen bacon wrapped jalapenos without telling her and she never said a word and ate them all with me.

So I leave the decision up to you.

You can read more about it here.

How to Freeze Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Prepare stuffing and fill your peppers. Place stuffed jalapenos, not touching, inside an airtight container until needed. Freeze for up to one month, maybe two.

If possible, place stuffed jalapenos on some rimmed baking sheets, not touching, and place inside your freezer until frozen. Once frozen store inside an airtight container or in a resealable freezer bag.

This way when storing your jalapeno poppers inside your freezer they can touch each other and not only does this method take up less space inside your freezer you're able to remove the exact number you want to bake.

When ready to bake, prepare a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and bake at 425 degrees from frozen for 25 to 30 minutes. You can also air fry or grill right from frozen, just add a few minutes to your cook time.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also enjoy our delicious Jalapeno Coleslaw recipe!