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These Baked Jalapeño Poppers are easy to make, and they feed a crowd. They’re stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon!
$4.88 is all it costs to make 12 servings of this fabulous appetizer. That is only $0.41 per serving.
For more appetizers, perfect for holidays, parties, and game-day, check out my Loaded Potato Skins,Crockpot Little Smokies, Baked Pimento Cheese Dip, and Shrimp co*cktail.
Table of Contents
You will love this Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
It is hard to resist popping more than one or two into your mouth when it is stuffed with cream cheese, herbs, bacon, and cheese! You may want to double this recipe because they will go quickly. They indeed are the ultimate party or game-day snack.
If I had to pick three words to describe what these Baked Jalapeno Poppers taste like, they would be creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. They are baked to golden, bubbly perfection with a little bit of a kick from the jalapeno.
You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to eight hours before baking them. Because these are baked and not fried, they are straightforward to make.
I also prefer to crumble the bacon in the cream cheese mixture and on top instead of wrapping the Baked Jalapeno Poppers in bacon. This makes the recipe even easier without skimping on taste. Speaking of taste, I LOVE dipping these poppers into my buttermilk ranch dressing.
Jalapeno Poppers Recipe ingredients
RECIPE COST: $4.88
PER SERVING COST: $0.41
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
- 1 package cream cheese – $1.96
- 1 cup cheddar cheese – $0.64
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.01
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – $0.01
- 12 jalapeno peppers – $0.98
- ½ teaspoon salt – $0.01
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper – $0.01
- 6 slices bacon – $1.26
How to make Jalapeno Poppers
STEP ONE: First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Then prepare a baking sheet with foil and cooking spray.
STEP TWO: Next, cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Clean out the seeds and ribs.
STEP THREE: Using a medium bowl, cream together the filling ingredients. Fill each jalapeno with the mixture.
STEP FOUR: Then, place each jalapeno on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining bacon crumbles.
STEP FIVE: Finally, bake for about twenty minutes. Cool slightly before serving.
***For complete instructions AND a recipe video, check out the recipe card below!
How to cut a jalapeno for Jalapeno Poppers
Anytime you are cutting a jalapeno, make sure you are wearing gloves! We had a funny story in my family when my Dad was cutting jalapenos without gloves then went to the bathroom, not knowing he had some remnants on his hands.
It was not a happy experience for him, and while we laugh about it now, it was not fun for him at the time! So wear gloves, as the oils in the peppers can be very painful.
After slicing a jalapeno in half, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and inner membranes. The seeds and membrane are where the pepper’s spice or heat comes, so feel free to leave a little bit if you like an extra kick in your bite.
How long to bake Jalapeno Poppers?
The baking time can be adjusted based on your preference and the desired texture of the poppers. If you prefer a softer pepper, you can bake them for a bit longer, while if you like them to be slightly crispier, you can bake them for a shorter time. The sweet spot for these is 25 minutes; they aren’t too soft or crisp.
Jalapeno Popper filling ideas
Jalapeno poppers are versatile, and you can try countless delicious filling options. Here are some popular and tasty jalapeno popper filling ideas to inspire you:
- Cream Cheese:Classic and creamy, filling jalapeno poppers with cream cheese is a popular choice. For added flavor, you can use plain cream cheese or mix it with other ingredients like shredded cheddar, herbs, or spices.
- Bacon and Cheddar:Combine cooked and crumbled bacon with shredded cheddar cheese to create a savory and indulgent filling. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs well with the spiciness of the jalapenos.
- Spinach and Artichoke:For a twist on the classic, create a filling inspired by spinach and artichoke dip. Mix cooked spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic for a flavorful and creamy filling.
- Buffalo Chicken:Shred cooked chicken and mix it with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy and tangy filling. It’s like having buffalo wings in popper form.
- Crab Rangoon:Create a delicious fusion by mixing crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, and soy sauce. This filling is reminiscent of the popular crab rangoon appetizer.
What to serve with this Jalapeno Popper Recipe
- Dipping Sauces:Serve jalapeno poppers with various dipping sauces to complement their flavors. Popular choices include ranch dressing, sour cream, chipotle mayo, raspberry jam, salsa, or a tangy BBQ sauce. These sauces add creaminess, tanginess, sweetness, or a hint of spice to the poppers.
- Guacamole:The creamy and cool texture of guacamole pairs well with the spiciness of the poppers. Serve them alongside a bowl of homemade or store-bought guacamole for a delicious combination.
- Cheese Platter:Create a cheese platter with cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. The mildness of the cheeses can help balance the heat of the jalapeno poppers and provide additional flavors and textures.
- Grilled Meat or Protein:If you’re serving jalapeno poppers as part of a larger meal, consider pairing them with grilled meat or protein. For example, they can be served alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp skewers. Combining savory grilled flavors with the spiciness of the poppers can create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Storing this Jalapeno Popper Recipe
SERVE: Like most things with dairy products and meat, you can keep them out for no longer than two hours before they will need to be refrigerated.
STORE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
FREEZE: If you plan on freezing these, I suggest freezing them BEFORE baking. You can freeze them after baking, but they will lose their shape once defrosted. Freeze precooked poppers by placing them in an airtight container. Freeze for 3-4 months. You can bake them from frozen; add about 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Medium bowl
- Handheld mixer
- Baking sheet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Rubber scraper
Jalapeno recipes to try!
You make Jalapeno Poppers! But there are many other things you can make with jalapenos, such as salsa, soups, and dips. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Aloha Salsa
- Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Mexican Spinach Dip
- Cowboy Caviar Dip
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Jalapeno Poppers in Oven FAQs
Are jalapenos still good when they turn red?
Yes! They are ready to eat when they are green, but you can still eat them when red. Red jalapenos taste like a green jalapeno but are a little bit sweeter.
How do you make jalapeno poppers not soggy?
To prevent jalapeno poppers from becoming soggy, follow a few critical steps during preparation and cooking.
1. Dry the Jalapenos: After slicing them in half and removing the seeds and membranes, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, which can contribute to sogginess.
2. Thoroughly Preheat the Oven: It’s essential to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking the jalapeno poppers. This ensures that the oven is hot enough to quickly cook the poppers, helping to crisp up the coating.
3. Elevate the Poppers: Place the stuffed jalapenos on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet rather than directly on it. This allows air to circulate the poppers during baking, helping to promote even cooking and crispness.
4. Avoid Overstuffing: While it may be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, be mindful not to overstuff the jalapenos. Overfilling can cause the poppers to burst or leak excess moisture during baking, leading to sogginess.
What makes a jalapeno popper a popper?
The term “jalapeno popper” likely originated from how the appetizer is prepared and consumed. Here are a couple of reasons why it is called a jalapeno popper:
1. Popping Sensation:When jalapeno poppers are cooked, the filling inside becomes warm and creamy while the jalapeno itself softens. When you bite or pop one into your mouth, the combination of flavors and textures creates a burst of flavor, resulting in a “popping” sensation. The term “popper” may have been used to describe this enjoyable experience.
2. Preparation Method:Another reason for the name could be how jalapeno poppers are made. When the poppers are cooked, the filling expands, and the coating crisps up, resulting in a pop of flavors and textures when you bite into them.
3. The term “jalapeno popper” has become widely recognized and used to describe this specific appetizer because you enjoy it by popping it into your mouth.
More Appetizer Recipes:
- Ultimate Nachos
- Sausage Cream Cheese Balls
- Charcuterie Board
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta
- Cowboy Caviar Dip
- Mexican Spinach Dip
- Deviled Eggs
- Dr. Pepper Baked Hot Wings
- Queso Blanco Dip
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip
- Chicken and Waffle Sliders
- Whipped Feta
More from Food Folks and Fun
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
- Smoked Drumsticks
- Easy Mexican Rice
- Best Turkey Brine Recipe
- Ham Fried Rice Recipe
- Beef Roast Crock Pot Recipe
- Air Fried Steak
- Whoopie Pies
- Green Chili Enchiladas
4.23 from 44 votes
Jalapeno Popper Recipe
Author A Food Folks and Fun original!
Recipe Cost $ $4.88
Serving Cost $ $0.41
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Total Time 43 minutes minutes
12 people
These Baked Jalapeño Poppers are easy to make, and they feed a crowd. They’re stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon!
Equipment
Medium bowl
handheld mixer
baking sheet
cutting board
chef's knife
rubber scraper
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, divided
Instructions
PREP OVEN AND PAN:
Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400 degrees F.
Line a standard size cookie sheet with foil. Lightly grease the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
PREP JALAPEÑOS:
Slice the jalapeños peppers in half lengthwise. Clear the peppers of seeds and the white membranes.
MAKE FILLING:
Add cream cheese, cheddar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and all but 2 Tablespoons of the crumbled bacon to a medium bowl (reserve 2 Tablespoons of crumbled bacon for the topping). Use a handheld mixer to beat the mixture until creamy and combined, about 1 minute.
ASSEMBLE JALAPOÑO POPPERS:
Use a spoon to fill each jalapeño with the cream cheese mixture, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the poppers.
BAKE:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the poppers are bubbly.
SERVE:
Let the jalapeño poppers cool for 3 minutes, and then serve.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 2poppers | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 289mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 499IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg
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