Are you having people over for the big game but worried about what to serve? Well, this Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper recipe has everything you want for incredible game-day snacking. This easy-to-make appetizer covers all four basic tailgating food groups: meaty, cheesy, creamy, and spicy!
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Table of Contents
Why This is the Best Recipe For Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
No one will ever claim that jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon are good for you, but this recipe is baked rather than deep-fried, so it is healthier than lots of versions out there.
If you have an air fryer or grill, you can even use them! Besides opting for baking, the addition of the Worcestershire sauce and the pinch of Chipotle powder really takes these to the next level.
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers are a fantastic low carb and keto-friendly appetizer and finger food. They are great for game day or anytime you want a tasty snack.
Ingredients
To make this Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper recipe, you will need:
- Jalapeno peppers
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chipotle powder
- Bacon
Ingredient Notes
Use your favorite hard cheese in this recipe. Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican-style blend like those sold for tacos or quesadillas are all great options.
Use thinly sliced bacon for this recipe, and stay away from any wood-smoked varieties that can overpower the other flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
Let everyone enjoy these irresistible appetizers by making them vegetarian-friendly. Use plant-based bacon, and don’t forget the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce!
How to Make This Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
- Cut the jalapenos in half the long way and scrape out the seeds, ribs, and the top layer of the inside flesh of the peppers to reduce the heat level.
- Pulse the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and Worcestershire sauce together in a food processor.
- Add the chipotle powder, and then buzz together. It’s best to do this step with a food processor, but if you don’t have one, you can use a blender or even just stir everything together.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the jalapeno halves and wrap one slice of bacon around each jalapeno half in a spiral pattern. You can use a toothpick to prevent the bacon from coming loose.
- Put each popper on top of a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet or on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet of prepped jalapeno poppers in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up the cheese mixture and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. You can make this recipe using an air fryer or grill as well. Check out the Recipe Variations section below to see the changes you need to make.
- Bake the poppers for about 15 minutes in the oven or until the bacon is crispy.
CopyKat Tip: When handling jalapenos, you should wear food-safe latex or nitrile gloves and always wash your hands well afterward.
Recipe Cooking Variations
This Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper recipe baked in the oven is good, but you can get even more flavor when you grill them or make them in the air fryer.
To grill the poppers, prepare them in the same way as above. Preheat the grill to a moderate temperature and place the poppers on a cooler part of the grill. Turn the poppers often and cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
To air fry the poppers, follow the instructions, but instead of cooking in the oven, use the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 325 degrees and cook the poppers for about 8 minutes, flipping them midway through the cooking time.
How to Serve Jalapeno Poppers
These are great to serve family-style on a huge platter so everyone can share. Put out a few of your favorites dipping sauces to go with the poppers. Try these:
- Sour cream is excellent for combating the heat of the peppers.
- BBQ sauce can add heat, tang, or sweetness, depending on which one you choose.
- Pineapple chutney brings the sweetness of pineapple with a bit of extra heat.
- Yogurt and dill sauce goes surprisingly well with poppers.
What Goes Well with a Jalapeno Popper Wrapped in Bacon?
Just about anything you usually serve at tailgate would go amazingly well with this recipe. And don’t forget the beer. Try pairing the poppers with a hoppy IPA!
How to Store Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
You can keep cooked jalapeno poppers covered in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Note they will probably sweat and the jalapeno peppers may shrivel.
How to Freeze Jalapeno Poppers
Cream cheese tends to develop an odd consistency when frozen and then thawed, but it is possible to freeze your poppers safely for up to three months. Just make sure you cool them completely before starting the freezing process.
To freeze cooked poppers:
- Put the poppers on a baking tray in a single layer.
- Cover and freeze until entirely frozen, about 12 hours.
- Place the frozen poppers in a freezer bag to store long-term.
How to Reheat Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon
To reheat refrigerated poppers, put them on top of a wire rack on a baking tray and bake them for about 10 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Alternatively, try reheating in a preheated air fryer at 325 degrees for about 5 minutes.
To reheat frozen poppers, bake on a wire rack with a baking tray under it in a 400-degree preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Or, reheat the poppers at 325 degrees in a preheated air fryer for around 8 minutes.
Do you love bacon? Try these recipes!
Favorite Game Day Recipes
- Bacon Swiss Dip
- Cheetos Popcorn
- Dill Dip
- Dried Beef Cheese Ball
- Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Garlic Wings
- Hamburger Dip
- Taco Ring with Crescent Rolls
Check out more of my easy appetizer recipes and the best game day food here on CopyKat!
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 2 pounds bacon
Instructions
- Slice the jalapenos in half and use a spoon to hull out the middle pith and seeds. The seeds are where the bulk of the heat in the pepper is. If you like them hot, leave some of the seeds inside.
- Into the bowl of a food processor, add cream cheese, shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle powder. Pulse until the mixture is well blended.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese blend.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with 1 slice of bacon so that the pepper is completely covered.
- Refrigerate the poppers for about 20 minutes to firm up the cheese stuffing and allow the flavors to meld together.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet with a wire rack, or you can use a broiling pan.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the bacon is browned and crisp. Serve immediately.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F
- Air fry the poppers for about 8 minutes, flipping them midway through the cooking time.
Grill Method
- Preheat the grill to a moderate temperature.
- Place the poppers on the cooler part of the grill.
- Turn the poppers often and cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Dennis
I have been making this recipe for years now and i am not allowed to come to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with out them. I offer to bring the turkey, the ham, but all they say is, “you know what to bring!”. Thanks for this, i am sorry it is way late for my post, but really, this recipe is awesome.
Krista
Yes please! Totally one of my favorite superbowl appetizers, I’ll take a plate of those to go! 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Stephanie Manley
These are so easy to make! I am glad to hear you enjoy them as well.
Steve
Just to add a little kick to this, add 1 minced jalapno to the cream & mexican cheese per 16 oz. I like it smoked in mesquite chips.1
stephaniemanley
Steve, your suggestions sound amazing!
DanF
I caught that about the temperature, too. I suspect 425 would crisp the bacon better.
PS: There is no such thing as raw bacon. It is brought up to 145F in the smoking process.
Fry Guy
Hmmm video says 425, print recipe says 375… ?
Stephanie
Either work, the lower temperature you can cook them a little slower. They are done when the bacon is cooked.
MaxB
375 was not the correct temp, all it did was melt the cheese and make a mess. 425 crisp the bacon, maybe they will still taste good, it’s bacon right:(
Sara
These are great and easy. I use 2 tricks. First, put the peppers in the freezer for a while before putting them in oven.
Secondly, you should use thin bacon. Or at least cook it about half way before wrapping around jalapenos.
stephaniemanley
I appreciate your tips. I have used the Kirkland’s brand bacon for these. Great flavor in that bacon.