Description
These Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños are a spicy and savory appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar are mixed with garlic and smoked paprika, stuffed into jalapeño halves, then wrapped in crispy bacon for a deliciously smoky, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
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
Assembly
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then place a cooling rack on top. Set aside.
- Prepare Peppers. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and center membranes. Arrange them cut-side up on the rack and set aside.
- Make Filling. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Assemble Jalapeños. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the 24 jalapeño halves. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick through the center. Arrange on the prepared rack.
- Bake. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final minute and watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Store. Serve warm. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- You can assemble the jalapeños up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate until baking.
- Mini sweet peppers can replace jalapeños for a milder taste.
- Substitute shredded Mexican-style or pepper jack cheese for cheddar, freshly shredded for best melting.
- If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (191°C) and cook in batches for 10-12 minutes until bacon crisps.
- Use a box grater to freshly shred cheese if possible for best texture and meltability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed jalapeño half
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
