Description
These Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños are a perfect appetizer or snack featuring fresh jalapeños filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and smoked paprika, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Baked to perfection, they deliver a spicy, cheesy, and savory bite that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Assembly
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and place a cooling rack on top. Set aside.
- Prepare jalapeños: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat. Arrange them cut-side up on a plate or tray and set aside.
- Make cheese filling: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, mix together by hand with a silicone spatula. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Assemble stuffed jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each of the 24 jalapeño halves. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick through the center. Arrange them on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the bacon is browned and crisp to your liking. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last minute, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and store: Serve the stuffed jalapeños warm. Leftovers can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble these jalapeños up to 1 day before baking and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Special Tools: Use a baking sheet, silicone baking mat or parchment paper, a cooling rack, and a mixer or spatula for best results.
- Peppers Variation: Substitute mini sweet peppers for a milder version of this dish.
- Cheese Alternatives: Mexican-style shredded cheese or pepper jack cheese make delicious alternatives. Freshly shred block cheese for better texture.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius). Arrange stuffed jalapeños in a single layer with space between them. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes until bacon is crisp, working in batches as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapeño halves
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
