Description
These Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños are a delicious appetizer featuring jalapeño peppers stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and smoked paprika, all wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
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
Wrapping
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then place a cooling rack on top and set aside.
- Prepare the peppers: Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and center membranes carefully. Arrange them cut-side up and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a bowl using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Assemble stuffed jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the 24 jalapeño halves. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick through the center. Place the assembled jalapeños on the prepared cooling rack.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven 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 final minute and watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and store: Serve the stuffed jalapeños warm. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the jalapeños up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Special Tools: Baking sheet, silicone baking mat or parchment paper, cooling rack, electric mixer or silicone spatula.
- Peppers: Substitute jalapeños with mini sweet peppers for a milder flavor.
- Cheese: Try shredded Mexican-style or pepper jack cheese as alternatives. Freshly shred block cheese for best melting results.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. Air fry assembled jalapeños in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes until bacon is crisp. Cook in batches if needed, or halve the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed jalapeño half
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
