Oven-Baked Jalapeno Poppers
Oven-baked jalapeno poppers stuffed with cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and wrapped in bacon are the perfect party appetizer.
Not only, are jalapeno poppers one of my favorite game-day snacks to serve.
But, Spicy jalapenos stuffed with cheeses and wrapped in crispy bacon are a sure way to make your next party a hit!
Get your next party started with this mouthwatering appetizer!
What you’ll Love about Baked Jalapeno Poppers
- All in all, oven-baked jalapeno poppers are the perfect party appetizer for Super Bowl Sunday or Game day. Easily prepared ahead of time like my Mini Tortilla Pizzas which are another crowd favorite.
- This recipe only uses 8 ingredients! The ingredients used are easy to find in stores. And most seasonings are already on-hand in most pantries.
- Jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon are perfect for a small group or large crowd. Make an individual single serving and cook poppers in a mini toaster oven. Or easily multiply this recipe for a large crowd.
- Jalapeno poppers are versatile. Try adding your favorite ingredients or try a new dipping sauce. (Recommendations are below.)
- To switch up the flavor of bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. Try stuffing jalapenos with Buffalo Chicken Dip for an easy buffalo chicken jalapeno popper recipe.
Oven-Baked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
These stuffed jalapeno poppers start with four basic ingredients: jalapenos, bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
To elevate the flavor, I add a few extras
Here is what you need.
Ingredients
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Bacon
- Cream Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Black Pepper
- Green Onions
Jalapeno Peppers: For spicy jalapenos look for stripes on the peppers. Also, look for jalapenos that are about 4-5 in long.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is the way to go when selecting bacon for poppers. You may use toothpicks to ensure bacon stays in tack. However, I didn’t use any toothpicks in this recipe.
Cream Cheese: Philadelphia full-fat cream cheese is my favorite brand to use and has a creamy rich flavor. However, you can use any brand you like and a less fat style cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Make sure to get a block of cheddar cheese. Block cheese melts better and tastes better.
Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a nice flavor to this baked jalapeno popper recipe.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a must when making cream cheese and bacon stuffed poppers.
Black Pepper: I don’t use salt because bacon is salted enough. But I do add black pepper so the cream cheese mixture is seasoned well.
Green Onions: Green onions are optional. I just love the fresh taste of finely chopped green onions when added to this dish.
How to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers
- Wearing gloves, cut jalapeno peppers lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes.
- Add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, onion powder, and garlic powder to a bowl and mix.
- Stuff jalapenos with cream cheese and cheddar cheese mixture.
- Cut bacon in half and wrap around each jalapeno.
- Place peppers on a baking sheet and bake in the oven.
Oven Baked Jalapeno Poppers
Oven baked jalapeno poppers are the perfect party appetizer. Stuffed with cheeses and wrapped in crispy bacon. These jalapeno poppers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 12 jalapenos 4-5 in long, cut in half, lengthwise
- 8 ounces, cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, block, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely, chopped
- 16 oz thick cut, bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Soften cream cheese, by laying out at room temperature while preparing jalapenos.
- Wearing latex gloves, cut jalapenos lengthwise. With a small spoon scoop out jalapeno seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- Finely chop green onions and shred block cheddar cheese.
- In a small mixing bowl combine softened, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and finely chopped green onions. Stir mixture until ingredients are well combined.
- Stuff jalapeno peppers with cream cheese mixture.
- Cut bacon in half and wrap each pepper with bacon.
- Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over aluminum foil lined baking sheet.
- Bake jalapeno poppers at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
Notes
Jalapeno poppers are versatile and can be made using a variety of ingredients.
A wire rack helps peppers stand up for even cooking time and allows grease to drain.
Aluminum foil helps ensure bacon is cooked and crispy.
Make sure jalapeno peppers are 4-5 inches in length.
For softer bacon: Cook jalapeno poppers at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes
For crispy bacon: Cook jalapeno peppers at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
For extra crispy bacon: Cook peppers at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Then broil peppers on high for 2 minutes.
How to Pick Spicy Jalapenos
According to the Rachael Ray show we got some expert advice from Kelly and her family’s jalapeno farm in Columbus, Nebraska.
When picking jalapeno peppers out at the store look for size and texture. The bigger the jalapeno the spicier it is.
For texture, look for stripes on the jalapeno. Strips indicate that heat has been developing for quite some time.
So, if you see a bunch of stripes on a jalapeno pepper. That pepper will pack an immense amount of heat!
How to Cut Jalapeno Poppers
First and foremost I can’t tell you enough how important it is to wear gloves. When preparing this dish make sure to get some latex gloves.
- Wearing gloves, cut jalapeno peppers lengthwise.
- With a small spoon, scoop out membranes and seeds inside jalapeno peppers. Set peppers aside and prepare to fill jalapenos with cream cheese mixture.
Dipping Sauce for Stuffed Peppers
Jalapeno poppers dunked in sauce are one of my favorite ways to serve this party appetizer.
Whether you are craving a sweet and savory sauce.
Or a fiery hot dipping sauce.
Jalapeno poppers are versatile and go with just about any dipping sauce. Here is a list of my favorite sauces.
- Bolthouse Farms Avocado Cilantro Yogurt Dressing. It is delicious and creamy and perfect for dipping!
- Polaner All Fruit Raspberry Sauce. Is my favorite sweet dipping sauce and pairs nicely with spicy jalapeno poppers. Heat jam in the microwave with a little bit of water for a sweet raspberry dipping sauce.
- Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Mix. Of course, ranch dressing is on the list!
Easy Appetizers for Game day
Of course, Game day is a huge deal in my household.
And my family loves to enjoy delicious food while watching and eagerly waiting for a touchdown.
And hopefully, a victory win! Here are some of the easiest, and most tasty appetizers for Game day or Superbowl Sunday!
Easy Beef Queso Dip Make in a crock pot or on the stove.
Cucumber Dill Dip with Sour Cream is a light refreshing dip that would cool down a spicy jalapeno bite.
Easy Frito Corn Dip Make ahead of time and chill.
Dill Pickle Dip Calling all pickle lovers. This creamy dip is sure to be a hit!
Fresh Mango Avocado Salsa is a vibrant dip with fresh flavor and a healthier dip option.