There’s nothing like showing up to the neighborhood cookout or get-together with the best side, or watching as people return to the kitchen for seconds of the food that you brought. Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a mouth-watering option and the perfect summer appetizer for nearly every occasion.
Not only are bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers delicious, but they’re easy to make whether you’re an experienced chef or a newcomer in the kitchen. We also have some tips to help you create the most ideal snack and become the star of barbeque. So let’s dive in!
How to make bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers
There are a ton of delicious appetizers to choose from, but making bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers is a simple way to up your summer treat game. You don’t even have to be hosting or attending an event — these poppable bites make for a yummy snack regardless of the occasion.
We wanted to share our favorite easy jalapeno poppers recipe, here are all the ingredients that you’ll need. Find out where to buy your pork products and you’ll be ready to get started!
Ingredients
- Hatfield® Bacon, classic or thick cut.
- Cream cheese.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Whole jalapeno peppers, cut in half and seeded.
The amounts of each ingredient can vary depending on how many people you are planning to serve (or if you want some leftovers for yourself!). After you have collected the four items that you need to make this tasty snack, it’s time to get started.
Here is our favorite easy jalapeno poppers recipe for your next mealtime adventure.Directions
When it comes to actually cooking the little poppers, the process is simpler than you might think. Here are the steps:
- Preheat: Set the oven to preheat temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prep: Halve the jalapenos lengthwise and remove the seeds (feel free to leave some for an extra kick!).
- Mix: Combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Fill: Take the cream cheese mixture and fill the halved jalapenos and make them whole again.
- Wrap: Use the bacon to wrap the filled jalapenos.
- Arrange: Take the uncooked bacon-wrapped jalapenos and place them on a baking sheet that is covered with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Bake: Put the sheet into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes — look for crispy bacon.
As you can see, this process doesn’t take long at all, and the results are a gorgeous jalapeno popper that is sure to make mouths water.
Do it your way
One of the best things about bacon-wrapped jalapenos is that you can spruce them up in any way that you see fit. Add in any ingredients that sound good to you or make it more unique to your family, and you suddenly have a one-of-a-kind creation. Here are some of our best ideas to add a little twist to your poppers:
Cheese
While cheddar cheese is a fan favorite, you can use a variety of cheeses to change the texture and flavor of your jalapeno poppers. For example, you could throw in a little pepper jack shredded cheese for some added flair. Mix and match to your heart’s content!
Methods of cooking
Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with just using the old reliable oven. But if you want to get crafty, you can alter your method of cooking the easy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. If you already have a grill up and running, you could cook the bacon using the hot coals. Many people also love to air fry, and this recipe is easily transferable to this kitchen gadget. Don’t be afraid to experiment with it.
Spice it up
Feel free to use additional spices in your cream cheese mixture. A little more pepper, garlic powder, onion powder or paprika never hurt anyone! So open up your spice cabinet and get to thinking about what would make these poppers stand out from the rest. You can also use smoky bacon if you prefer.
Other additions
Use chives or a green onion to deepen the flavor profile of your bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. These additions can be a lovely pairing with the richness of the bacon and cheese. Get creative with it and add lime if that sounds like a nice addition to you! The opportunities are truly endless.
Helpful tips to keep in mind
Despite the fact that bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a crowd favorite (because who doesn’t love bacon?), there are some important things to keep in mind. Like when you are cutting up the jalapenos for example. These peppers are a perfect choice, but their spicey juices or a seed can be tricky to work with if you’re not careful. To be safe, be sure to avoid touching your eyes or nose while cutting them or wear gloves.
Another great tip is to always combine your cream cheese mix thoroughly. You don’t want to bite into a huge chunk of cheese or not get any at all in another popper. Spend a little extra time ensuring that all the ingredients are mixed well.
When cooking the snacks, also be sure to keep close watch on them while they’re in the oven. You want the bacon to be crispy, but not burnt. Our specified time should work just fine, but all ovens are different and you should keep an eye on them, especially when making the poppers for the first time.
Elevate your mealtime with pork products from Hatfield®
One of our best pieces of advice is to look for high-quality ingredients. When you get bacon from Hatfield®, you are ensuring that all of your favorite features of this cut of pork are available. A good pork product can take your bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers from good to “lick your plate clean and go back for more delicious”.
Why are products from Hatfield® preferable? Not only do we stand by the quality of our meat, but we are proud of the way that we do business. From the farm to your plate, every step of the way is moderated with care. When you get a Hatfield® product, know that you are getting pork with a pledge. Our team is passionate about doing business the right way, something that has translated into our products.
Our team is passionate about sharing the joy of cooking with you, and we hope you share your amazing appetizer with the people you love the most. And if you want to keep it all to yourself, we don’t blame you either! Hatfield® bacon really is that good.
Are you ready to give this recipe a try? It’s a great way to dive into the world of elevated snack preparation, with an easy process and incredible results. Grab some Hatfield® bacon, and you are ready to go!
