If you’re a fan of bold flavors, creamy cheese, and a little bit of heat, you’re in for a treat! These baked jalapeño poppers are everything you want in an appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. They’re the perfect party snack, game-day favorite, or even a fun weekend treat when you’re craving something indulgent but still light enough to enjoy guilt-free.
The best part? They’re wrapped in turkey bacon, making them a slightly healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried version. Plus, they’re baked to golden perfection, so you still get that crispy bite without all the extra grease. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder kick, this recipe is easy to customize. Just remove more seeds for a milder flavor or leave a few in if you’re feeling adventurous!
So, let’s get started on making these easy homemade jalapeño poppers that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Getting Started: Prepping Your Ingredients
Before diving in, you’ll want to make sure you have everything ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers – Choose firm, bright green jalapeños for the best flavor and crunch.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make mixing easier.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The sharper, the better! It gives the poppers a bold, cheesy flavor.
- 12 slices of turkey bacon, cut in half – Wrapping the jalapeños in turkey bacon gives them a smoky, savory taste.
- ½ tsp garlic powder & ½ tsp onion powder – These add just the right amount of extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Because everything tastes better with a little seasoning.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To make cleanup easy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Trust me, this step will save you a ton of scrubbing later.
Step 2: Prepping the Jalapeños
Now comes the fun part—getting the jalapeños ready. If you’re not used to handling spicy peppers, here are a few quick tips:
- Wear gloves! Jalapeños contain capsaicin, the compound that makes them spicy, and it can linger on your hands even after washing. (And whatever you do, don’t touch your eyes!)
- Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife and go slow to avoid breaking them.
- Scoop out the seeds and membranes using a spoon or small knife. If you want a spicier kick, leave a few seeds in—totally up to you!
Once your jalapeños are prepped, set them aside while we move on to the delicious cheesy filling.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Cheese Filling
The filling is where the magic happens! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
- Softened cream cheese – This helps everything mix smoothly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a rich, melty texture.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – For a little extra depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You can also mix in some crumbled cooked turkey bacon or chopped chives if you want to add even more flavor!
Now that we have our filling ready, it’s time to stuff those jalapeños and get them wrapped up in smoky, crispy turkey bacon. But don’t worry, we’ll cover that in the next part!
Step 4: Stuffing the Jalapeños
Now that our cheese mixture is smooth and flavorful, it’s time to fill up those jalapeño halves. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a small spoon or butter knife and scoop a generous amount of the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half.
- Press the filling in slightly so it stays in place while baking. You want each bite to have the perfect balance of creamy and spicy.
- Don’t overfill—if the cheese is piled too high, it may ooze out in the oven. A nice even layer is best.
At this point, your jalapeños should already look delicious, but we’re about to take them to the next level with crispy, smoky turkey bacon.
Step 5: Wrapping with Turkey Bacon
Now, let’s talk about turkey bacon. Unlike regular bacon, turkey bacon is leaner, which means it doesn’t shrink as much when cooked. This makes it perfect for wrapping around the poppers without losing its shape.
Here’s how to wrap them perfectly:
- Take half a slice of turkey bacon and carefully wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño. Start at one end and gently overlap as you go.
- If needed, use a toothpick to secure the turkey bacon in place. This helps prevent it from unraveling as it bakes.
- Place each wrapped jalapeño seam-side down on your baking sheet so it stays snug and secure.
Now, all that’s left is to pop these beauties in the oven!
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
With everything assembled, it’s time to bake these jalapeño poppers until golden, crispy, and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Check around the 20-minute mark. You want the turkey bacon to be crispy and the cheese to be slightly bubbly but not burned.
- If you like extra crispy turkey bacon, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The cheese will be super hot right out of the oven, so give them a couple of minutes to set before digging in.
Serving Your Jalapeño Poppers
Now for the fun part—eating! These jalapeño poppers are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a good dipping sauce. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic ranch dressing – The cool, creamy flavor balances out the heat perfectly.
- Sour cream – A simple and delicious dip that tames the spice.
- Spicy mayo – Mix mayo with a little hot sauce or Sriracha for extra kick.
- Avocado crema – Blend avocado with a little lime juice and sour cream for a smooth, tangy dip.
These are best served fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, I’ll cover the best ways to store and reheat them in the next section!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to a day in advance. Just assemble them as usual (stuffed and wrapped in turkey bacon) and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven—no need to adjust the cooking time.
2. How do I store leftover jalapeño poppers?
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
3. What’s the best way to reheat them?
For the crispiest results, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, the air fryer works great—set it to 375°F and heat for 5-6 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
4. Can I freeze jalapeño poppers?
Yes! Assemble them as usual (before baking) and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, cook straight from frozen—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
5. How do I make these spicier?
If you love the heat, leave some or all of the seeds and membranes intact when prepping your jalapeños. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese filling or drizzle them with hot sauce before serving.
6. What are some fun variations of this recipe?
- Add crumbled cooked turkey bacon to the cheese mixture for even more smoky flavor.
- Use a different cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
- Wrap them in puff pastry instead of turkey bacon for a baked, flaky version.
- Make them vegetarian by skipping the turkey bacon and topping them with panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Spicy, Cheesy Snack
Jalapeño poppers are one of those appetizers that never last long at a party—they’re crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a game-day party, a backyard BBQ, or just making them for a fun weekend snack, this easy baked version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Plus, with turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, they’re a little lighter but still packed with flavor. And with all the variations you can try, you’ll never get bored of making them!
Happy snacking!
Print
JALAPEÑO POPPERS
- Total Time: 30-35 mins
Description
These crispy, cheesy, and spicy jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer for any occasion! They’re packed with creamy cheese, wrapped in crispy turkey bacon, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of turkey bacon, cut in half
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Prepare the jalapeños: Slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder taste. (Leave some seeds for extra heat!)
3️⃣ Make the filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4️⃣ Stuff the peppers: Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, packing it in slightly.
5️⃣ Wrap with turkey bacon: Take half a slice of turkey bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
6️⃣ Bake: Arrange the jalapeño poppers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
7️⃣ Serve hot! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the poppers for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Want it spicier? Leave some seeds in the peppers.
- Prefer a crunchy coating? Try rolling the stuffed jalapeños in panko breadcrumbs before wrapping them in bacon.
- These can also be made in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20-25 mins
