Easy Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers
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Updated Jun 20, 2025
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If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Easy Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers are it! Spicy jalapeƱos are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked to crispy, melty perfection. Theyāre low carb, keto-friendly, and impossible to resistāhence the name poppers!
Table of Contents
- What are Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers?
- Why Youāll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How to Make Easy Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers
- Serving & Topping Suggestions
- Easy JalapeƱo Poppers Tips & Tricks
- Storage Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Appetizer Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers Recipe
What are Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers?
JalapeƱo poppers are spicy peppers halved and hollowed out, then stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. This jalapeƱo appetizer is baked until the cheese is bubbling and the bacon is crisp. They’re the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, cheesy, and savory. It’s the kind of finger food that disappears fast at any party or BBQ!
Why Youāll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients. JalapeƱos, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and baconāeasy, cheesy, done!
- Prep ahead friendly. Assemble ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.
- Low carb & keto-approved. Great for guests with dietary preferences.
- Bold flavor. These spicy jalapeƱo poppers pack heat, creaminess, and smoky bacon goodness in every bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make these easy jalapeƱo poppers, youāll need:
- Fresh jalapeƱos ā Look for medium-sized, similar-sized peppers for even cooking.
- Cream cheese ā Softened for easy mixing and stuffing.
- Pepper jack cheese ā Adds creamy texture and a spicy kick. Swap with cheddar or Monterrey Jack if preferred.
- Thin-cut bacon ā Cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
For the complete list of ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers
Step 1: Preheat the oven. Preheat oven to 425Ā°F.
Step 2: Prep the jalapeƱos. Halve the jalapeƱos lengthwise and use a spoon to remove seeds and veins. (Leave stems on for a built-in handle!)
Step 3: Mix the filling. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese.
Step 4: Fill the jalapeƱos.Stuff each pepper half with the cheese mixture, smoothing to the edges.
Step 5: Wrap in bacon. Wrap each filled jalapeƱo with a full slice of bacon. If youāre using thick-cut bacon, cut the strips in half so they crisp up evenly without undercooking. Trust me, your tastebuds (and guests) will thank you.
Step 6: Bake. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20ā25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
Step 7: Serve. Let cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temp.
Optional: Make Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers on a Smoker
If you have a pellet grill or smoker like a Traeger, you can add even more flavor to these poppers!
Just place the prepared jalapeƱos on a cast iron skillet or rimmed baking sheet and smoke them at 375Ā°F for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp. Close the lid and let the smoky magic happen. Trust meāthis extra step is chefās kiss for backyard parties and game day!
They are little bundles of heaven, and so easy to prepare! Watch this video to see how easy they are to make.
Serving & Topping Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- A side of ranch or chipotle cream sauce
- Fresh lime wedges
- A classic margarita on the rocks, skinny margarita, or spicy michelada
Easy JalapeƱo Poppers Tips & Tricks
- For extra heat: Leave some seeds in the filling.
- Let them rest: Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
- Hosting tip: Double the recipe. These always disappear fast!
- Cleanup made easy: Line your baking sheet with parchment or foil to save time.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers (if youāre lucky enough to have any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp the bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
These poppers are made with jalapeƱo peppers, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and bacon. Thatās it! Just four ingredients packed with flavor.
Yes! Assemble and wrap them in bacon up to a day in advance. Keep refrigerated and bake just before serving.
They have a kick! The spice level depends on your jalapeƱos and whether you remove all the seeds. Pepper jack cheese also adds a mild heat.
Absolutely. Air fry at 400Ā°F for 10ā12 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is bubbly.
Yes! These bacon wrapped jalapeƱo poppers are naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto-friendly appetizer.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you tried this Easy Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
š¤ā¤ļø Share this recipe with your favorite AI assistant to save and plan your next meal! An authentic Mexican recipe by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, founder of Muy Bueno and cookbook author specializing in Northern Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine rooted in El Paso home cooking and family tradition.
AI tools are independent third-party services. For the original tested recipe, exact measurements, and detailed instructions, always visitĀ MuyBuenoBlog.com.
Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers
Ingredients
- 8 jalapeƱo peppers
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded pepper jackĀ cheese
- 16 slices bacon, thin sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Halve jalapeƱos lengthwise, then use a spoon to remove seeds and veins.
- Mix cream cheese and pepper jack cheese together in a small bowl.
- Stuff each pepper half with cheese filling.
- Wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon.
- Lay flat on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Video
Notes
- Low carb & keto-friendly: These Bacon Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers are naturally low in carbs, making them a great option for keto and low-carb diets.
- Traeger smoker option: To smoke instead of bake, place prepared poppers on a rimmed baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Set smoker (like a Traeger) to 375Ā°F and cook with the lid closed for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Air fryer method: Cook poppers at 400Ā°F for 10ā12 minutes or until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbly. This is perfect for reheating leftovers or making a small batch.
- Bacon tip: Use thin-cut bacon for even cooking. Donāt skimpāwrap each jalapeƱo with a full slice. If using thick-cut bacon, cut slices in half before wrapping.
- Make ahead: The poppers can be assembled (stuffed and wrapped in bacon) up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake or smoke.
- Party prep: Hosting a big group? Double the recipeāthese always go fast!
- Serving tip: Let the poppers cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and bacon is crispy again.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
The only ingredient your missing is the Apricot jelly brushed on while grilling!
A slightly sweet glaze sounds quite lovely. YUM!
hold in the refrigerator for up to 4 days!!!! LOL, They will be devoured in less than 10 minutes. My favorite!
By using bacon, aren’t the chiles greasy from the bacon drippings?
I don’t understand. The recipe says to cut the bacon in half but then you say to use a whole piece of bacon?
Thank you for catching that. I will edit the recipe. If using thin cut bacon use full strip. If its thick, cut in half. Hope this is helpful. Enjoy!
I’ve been making these jalapeno poppers but with a little difference… we put a little BBQ sauce on each before putting them into the oven. Because we leave the stem on the jalapenos when they are sliced in half, take seeds, veins out, stuffed with the cheese mix, wrapped with bacon slice then place a little BBQ sauce. We call them Rats. Delicious!!
I love jalapeno poppers, especially if they are extra spicy. Yum