Description
Delicious bacon-wrapped cheesy stuffed jalapeños featuring a creamy blend of full-fat cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic, and smoked paprika. These spicy, savory appetizers are baked to crispy perfection and make a great snack or party appetizer.
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
Bacon Wrap
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your 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 this prepared baking setup.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove all seeds and membranes to reduce heat if desired. Arrange the jalapeño halves on the baking sheet rack with the cut side facing up.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a spatula. Taste and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
- Assemble Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half. Wrap each jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon and secure it using a toothpick through the center. Place them on the prepared baking rack in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes until the bacon is browned and crisp to your liking. For added crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final 1 minute—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Leftovers can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the jalapeños up to 1 day before baking and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Special Tools: Baking sheet, silicone baking mat or parchment paper, cooling rack, electric mixer (handheld or stand) or silicone spatula.
- Peppers: Substitute mini sweet peppers for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Cheese: Mexican-style or pepper jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar. Freshly shred block cheese for best texture.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook in batches in a preheated air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 12 minutes until bacon crisps. Halve recipe if you want to cook all at once.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapeño halves
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
