Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Jalapenos: Fresh, spicy peppers that add a kick to the dish.

Cream cheese: Softened to make it easy to fill the jalapenos, adding a creamy texture.

Bacon: Provides a smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture when cooked.

When preparing jalapenos, make sure to wear gloves to avoid any irritation from the capsaicin. To ensure the bacon crisps up nicely, you can partially cook it in a skillet for a few minutes before wrapping it around the cream cheese filled jalapenos. This will also help render some of the fat, resulting in a less greasy final product.

• jalapenos - Substitute with mini bell peppers: Mini bell peppers are milder and provide a similar crunch without the intense heat.

• jalapenos - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers offer a tangy flavor and mild heat, making them a good alternative for those who prefer less spice.

• cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the peppers well.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is creamy and mild, providing a similar texture to cream cheese.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is thinly sliced and offers a similar salty, savory flavor with a slightly different texture.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture.

• Allow the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers to cool completely after baking.
• Transfer the cooled poppers to an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the poppers to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the frozen poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat refrigerated poppers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed and crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese filling is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly and the bacon is crisping up nicely.

• Microwave Method: Place the jalapeno poppers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking after the first minute to see if they are heated through. Note that the bacon may not be as crispy with this method.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the jalapeno poppers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese filling is warmed through.

• Oven: Used to bake the bacon-wrapped jalapenos at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the jalapenos on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the jalapenos from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine and soften the cream cheese.

• Spoon: Helps in filling each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.

• Knife: Essential for halving and seeding the jalapenos, as well as cutting the bacon slices in half.

• Toothpicks: Optional, but useful for securing the bacon around the jalapenos to ensure they stay wrapped during baking.

• Cooling rack: Allows the jalapenos to cool slightly after baking, ensuring they are safe to handle and serve.

Prepare the filling ahead: Mix the cream cheese and jalapenos the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon to cut down on baking time and ensure crispy results.

Line up ingredients: Arrange all your ingredients on the counter before starting to streamline the process.

Batch assembly: Fill and wrap all the jalapenos at once to make the process more efficient.

Quick cooling: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a wire rack after baking for faster cooling.