Home | RECIPE | Appetizers | 3-Ingredient Homemade Jalapeño Poppers
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By: Shinee
Published: Feb 11, 2022
Updated: Jul 31, 2023
5 from 22 votes
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These addicting bacon jalapeno poppers are made with just 3 ingredients and insanely easy to make. Perfect party food in less than 1 hour!
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love Homemade Jalapeno Poppers
- Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Ingredients
- Jalapeno Popper Ingredients Notes
- How to make this Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
- 1. Prepare the jalapeños
- 2. Fill the poppers
- 3. Wrap with bacon
- 4. Bake
- How to store Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
- How to refrigerate Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
- How to freeze jalapeno poppers?
- How to serve Homemade Jalapeno Poppers
- Other game day food to serve along with poppers:
- Jalapeno Poppers Recipe FAQ
- Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Recipe
Why you’ll love Homemade Jalapeno Poppers
Besides my easy 3-ingredient bean dip, these jalapeno poppers are my favorite party food!!!
- Just 3 ingredients needed
- Not at all short on flavor (hello, bacon?!)
- Easy to customize
- Effortless to make
Wrapped with chewy smoky bacon, these jalapeño poppers are simply addicting!
A lot of recipes call for additional cheese, like cheddar cheese, and of course, you’re more than welcome to add it, but it’s not required. It’s plenty rich and flavorful without it!
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Ingredients
- Jalapenos – Choose nice and plump jalapenos with fresh steams.
- Cream cheese – Flavored cream cheese is the secret shortcut to maximum flavor without additional ingredients. My favorites are spicy jalapeno cream cheese and smokey chipotle and chive & onion.
- Bacon – I recommend using a thin-cut bacon for this recipe. It’s harder to get thick-cut bacon stay in place and it takes longer to cook.
Jalapeno Popper Ingredients Notes
Over the years, I’ve simplified the process to the point that you only need three ingredients!!
- Jalapeno – Star of the show, you can easily adjust the heat by making sure to remove all the seeds and ribs from the inside.
- Cream cheese – Flavored and whipped cream cheese is the “secret ingredient” here. I love using spicy jalapeño cream cheese for that extra kick! Smokey chipotle and chive & onion are also great choices!
- Bacon – For this recipe, I prefer thin-cut slices of bacon, as it’s easier to wrap jalapenos and stays intact without a toothpick. Plus, it cooks faster!
Tip
Did you know that majority of the heat comes from the ribs/membranes that hold the seeds inside of jalapeno?
It’s true! That’s why it’s important to scrape off the ribs well, if you’re not into very spicy food.
Jalapeno Popper Recipe Substitutions & Additions
If you’d like to change things up, feel free to add different add-ons to your filling. Here’re some suggestions:
- grated cheddar cheese
- chives
- minced green onion/scallions
- garlic and/or onion powder
- hot sauce
How to make this Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
1. Prepare the jalapeños
Cut jalapeños in half length-wise and remove the seeds and ribs.
- When you cut the jalapenos, leave the little tails on. Actually split the tail in half, so that both jalapeno halves will have them. It not only adds beauty to the poppers, but also very convenient to grab them with.
Tip
Use a spoon to scrape off the ribs and seeds to minimize contact with your bare skin! I also highly recommend using a glove for this step.
Whatever you do, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling fresh jalapenos and don’t touch sensitive areas, like eyes!!
2. Fill the poppers
Fill the jalapeno halves with about 1.5 teaspoons of cream cheese. Again, we’re using flavored cream cheese for the filling, instead of plain, so it’s plenty flavorful!
- If you want to spice it up more, scroll below for additional ideas for customizing…
3. Wrap with bacon
Cut each bacon strip in half and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeno halves.
I don’t usually secure with toothpicks, but if you find it necessary, use it.
Tip
To keep the bacon stay in place without a toothpick:
- Place one end of the bacon on top of jalapeno hanging over the edge slightly.
- Then wrap it over the filling and then under the jalapeno and back on top again, pulling the bacon tightly.
4. Bake
Arrange the prepared poppers on a baking sheet.
And bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked.
Tip
To keep the clean-up to a minimal, line the baking sheet with a parchment paper or aluminum foil.
How to store Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
How to refrigerate Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
- Assemble the poppers as directed and arrange on a baking sheet. Tightly cover the whole sheet with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for up 2 days.
- Baked jalapeño poppers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to freeze jalapeno poppers?
- Prepare the jalapeño poppers and arrange them on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Freeze uncooked poppers for at least 2 hours. When the poppers are frozen, transfer into a freezer bag.
- Jalapeño poppers can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
How to serve Homemade Jalapeno Poppers
It’s a perfect snack and appetizer for game day gatherings. Although jalapeno poppers are delicious on their own, you may serve them with any dipping sauces.
Other game day food to serve along with poppers:
- Beer BBQ Meatballs
- Philly cheesesteak sliders
- Scotch egg
You may also want to try these jalapeño poppers with brisket and bacon!! Doesn’t that sound amazing?!
Jalapeno Poppers Recipe FAQ
Do you have to boil jalapeños for poppers?
No, you don’t need to boil jalapenos for poppers.
Do you remove seeds from jalapeño poppers?
Yes, remove the seeds and ribs from the inside of jalapenos so poppers aren’t overly spicy.
What is a Jalapeno Popper made of?
Jalapeno poppers are mainly made of jalapenos and cream cheese. From there, you could add cheese, bacon and add-ins as desired.
Happy snacking! If you make this recipe, please share the photo on Instagram and tag me @shineshka.
5 from 22 votes
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
By Shinee
These bacon jalapeno poppers are made with just 3 ingredients and insanely easy to make. Consider yourself warned, because these are dangerously addicting! 😉
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 30 minutes mins
Total: 45 minutes mins
Servings: 20 poppers
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Ingredients
- 10 jalapenos halved and de-seeded Note 1
- 4 oz (110g) flavored cream cheese softened Note 2
- 10 thin bacon strips cut in half Note 3
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut jalapeños in half length-wise and remove the seeds and ribs.
Fill the jalapeno halves with about 1.5 teaspoons of cream cheese.
Then wrap the stuffed jalapeno halves with bacon.
Arrange them on a baking sheet, lined with silicone mat, or aluminum foil. (Secure bacon with toothpick, if needed.)
Bake the jalapeno poppers for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked. Enjoy warm, or at room temperature.
Tips & Notes
Note 1a:Use a spoon to scrape off the ribs and seeds to minimize contact with your bare skin! I also highly recommend using a glove for this step. Whatever you do, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling fresh jalapenos and don’t touch sensitive areas, like eyes!!
Note 1b: When you halve the jalapenos, leave the little tails on. Actually split the tail in half, so that both jalapeno halves will have them. It not only adds beauty to the poppers, but also very convenient to grab them with.
Note 2: Flavored cream cheese is our secret shortcut to maximum flavor without additional ingredients. But feel free to add more add-ons, if desired. I’ve included additional suggestions in the post above.
– Spicy jalapeno cream cheese is my favorite, but you can go with whatever you like.
– Smokey chipotle and chive & onion are great choices too.
Note 3:I recommend using a thin-cut bacon for this recipe. It’s harder to get thick-cut bacon stay in place and it takes longer to cook.Here’s what I do to keep the bacon stay in place without a toothpick: place one end of the bacon on top of jalapeno hanging over the edge slightly, then wrap it over the filling and then under the jalapeno and back on top again, pulling the bacon tightly, if needed, to tuck the other end of bacon under the jalapeno. Hope this makes sense. If not, look at the step-by-step photos above.
How to Make-Ahead: Assemble the poppers as directed and arrange on a baking sheet. Tightly cover the whole sheet with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for up 2 days.
How to Store: Baked jalapeno poppers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to Reheat:To reheat jalapeno poppers, arrange the poppers on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-10 minutes at 350°F, or until hot.Alternatively, you can microwave the poppers for 30-60 seconds, or until nice and hot.
How to Freeze: Prepare the jalapeño poppers through step 5 and arrange on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Freeze uncooked poppers for at least 2 hours. When the poppers are frozen, transfer into a ziplock bag.
To bake uncooked frozen poppers, arrange the poppers on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, or aluminum foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Nutrition
Servings: 1 popper
Calories: 53kcal
Carbohydrates: 1.5g
Protein: 1.3g
Fat: 4.7g
Sugar: 0.7g
Sodium: 101.3mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Did you make this?Share a comment or a review below!
This recipe was originally published on September 3rd, 2014.
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