Ingredients
- 8 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks, if needed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Jalapeños
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Leave some seeds in if you want extra heat.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper until well combined.
3. Fill the Peppers
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously but without overflowing.
4. Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Place the poppers seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
5. Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy and the cheese is hot and bubbly. For extra-crispy bacon, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
6. Serve
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks and enjoy while warm