Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Jalapenos: Fresh, green peppers that add a spicy kick to the dish.

Cream cheese: Softened to easily fill the jalapeno halves, providing a creamy contrast to the heat.

Bacon: Slices of bacon that wrap around the stuffed jalapenos, adding a savory and crispy element.

When wrapping the bacon around the jalapeno halves, start at one end and stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap to ensure it covers the entire jalapeno evenly. This will help the bacon adhere better and cook more uniformly, resulting in a crispier finish.

• jalapenos - Substitute with mini bell peppers: Mini bell peppers provide a milder heat and a similar crunch, making them a great alternative for those who prefer less spice.

• jalapenos - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers are larger and milder than jalapenos, offering a different flavor profile while still providing a bit of heat.

• cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture that works well as a filling for the poppers.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is lighter and less tangy than cream cheese, providing a different but still creamy filling.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced cured ham that crisps up nicely and adds a different but equally delicious flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a similar texture and flavor when cooked.

• Allow the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers to cool completely after baking. This ensures they maintain their structure and flavor when stored.

• Place the cooled poppers in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream cheese filling fresh and the bacon crisp.

• For longer storage, arrange the cooled poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are solid.

• Transfer the frozen poppers to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are heated through. No need to thaw beforehand.

• Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the cream cheese filling is not too hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
  4. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.
  4. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the jalapeno poppers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to avoid splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking after the first minute to see if they are heated through.
  4. Be cautious as the cream cheese filling can get very hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers in the skillet.
  3. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the bacon-wrapped jalapenos at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the jalapenos on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the jalapenos from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine and soften the cream cheese.

• Spoon: Helps to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.

• Knife: Essential for halving and seeding the jalapenos.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut and prepare the jalapenos.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot bacon-wrapped jalapenos when they come out of the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the jalapenos to cool evenly after baking.

Prepare the filling: Mix the softened cream cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Pre-cut jalapenos: Halve and seed the jalapenos in advance to save time during assembly.

Pre-cook bacon: Partially cook the bacon to reduce baking time and ensure it crisps up perfectly.

Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with the cream cheese mixture for quick and easy filling of the jalapenos.

Batch process: Line up all the jalapeno halves and fill them in one go, then wrap with bacon in another batch.