Easy Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

These Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers are a fresh take on an old classic. Stuffed with bacon and cheese they’re a sure-fire hit!

Easy, Delicious Poppers

When bacon is used in a jalapeno popper recipe, a lot of traditional recipes are bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. This version of bacon cheese jalapeno poppers actually has bacon pieces as part of the filling. You take advantage of a couple things going this route.

First, no more trying to get the bacon to cook up just right on the outside. How many times have you waiting for the bacon to finish cooking while you watched the popper contents completely melt and ooze out?

Second, you simplify the assembly as you don’t have to deal with wrapping bacon slices around the jalapeño peppers. Add these plusses to the fact that this recipe uses simple ingredients and you have the perfect party appetizer!

A Different Way of Making Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers 

We have all been there with bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers. You want crispy bacon, but at the same time, you want the jalapeno to cook but not overcook. And, the cream cheese filling needs to not melt out.

With this style of bacon cheese stuffed jalapeno, you simplify everything. You end up with a great bite balanced with pepper heat, salty, smoky bacon flavor, and rich cream cheese.

And, since the cheese and bacon mixture is spooned into a jalapeno pepper half, the stuffing stays in place. This means every popper pops with just the right amount of bacon, cheese, and pepper.

You cook the bacon first, then crumble it into the cheese mixture. So, you don’t have as much fatty bacon either. You get tons of great bacon flavor but with way less greasiness.

Also, it’s easier to see the when the poppers are done. As soon as your cheese has a bit of browning on top, similar to a pizza, you know they are done.

You don’t have to worry anymore about the bacon not getting crispy. The days of watching the filling bubble out are gone, too!

Three Cheeses for Your Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

I like using cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese for the cheese filling. We all know how great cheddar works with bacon. The others serve their purpose well, too.

Parmesan cheese has that tiny edge of funky umami that adds complexity to the flavor. And, the cream cheese gives you that creaminess.

This mixture of cheese brings great flavors and textures together. So delicious!

The Right Jalapenos for Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

Get the biggest fresh jalapenos you can find. It makes it easier to stuff the pepper halves with the mixture of cream cheese and bacon.

You want a good balance of pepper to filling. Otherwise the heat overtakes everything.

However, your jalapenos don’t necessarily have to be green. You can also use red jalapenos. They get a bit sweeter, but no less hot. The red color looks great with the orange of the cheddar cheese.

Also, you can use other peppers similar to jalapenos. Yellow jalapenos sometimes called “banana peppers” work well. If you really want to dial up the heat, then go with a habanero or other spicy peppers known for their high heat.

To dial the heat down for less spicy jalapeños, remove all the seeds and the white pith to which the seeds are attached.

Are There Other Substitutions You Recommend?

You can get creative with bacon and cheese stuffed jalapenos. For example, instead of bacon, try tiny cubes of chopped ham instead.

If you want to go with a more vegetarian option, then use tiny cubes of eggplant or potatoes instead of the bacon. Make sure to season them generously. You want to make up for the salty savory quality of the bacon.

If going fully vegan is important, then try one of the vegan style “cheeses”. Typically made from soy, they work, too.

Also, other cheese combinations work well together. You can do cotija instead of parmesan, or even pepper jack instead of cheddar. I tend to stay away from a blue cheese or goat cheese as I believe the tastes and textures don’t work well with the other ingredients.

Can You Make Ahead and Freeze Bacon Cheese Jalapeño Poppers?

Whether you are at home or tailgating at the game, this jalapeno popper recipe works. If you need game day snacks, these are a great make-ahead appetizer that you can easily freeze and reheat. And, it’s super easy to make a double batch if you have a house full of hungry people!

To freeze, make a batch of the poppers and allow them to cool to room temperature. I like to put them on a wire rack to allow for more air movement for quicker cooling.

Once they’re cool, put them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, take them off the baking sheet and put into an airtight container or freezer bag and place back in the freezer.

You can store them in the freezer for up to 30 days. In the fridge, you’re good for a week.

Tips and Tricks

• Unless you want the poppers to be extra spicy, you’ll want to scrape all of the seeds and white pith out of the peppers.
• To freeze these for later, make them as instructed below up to the point of baking. Put them on a sheet pan in a single layer and freeze. When ready to eat, bake as instructed, but add 10-15 additional minutes to the cooking time. They are done when they’re warmed through.
• If you have any leftover poppers you can also freeze them. Put them on a sheet pan and freeze in a single layer, then put them in a freezer bag or storage container. When you’re ready to reheat, put them on a sheet pan and place in a cold oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees. Once the oven comes up to temperature, check to see if the poppers are heated through. If not give them an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven until hot.

Ingredients Needed to Make Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Jalapeno peppers – For ease of stuffing, look for the largest jalapeños you can find.
• Cream cheese – I usually use full fat, but light cream cheese will also work for this recipe.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – I like to use sharp because the flavor stands out better than a milder cheddar.
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Bacon – If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked bacon is a great choice.
• Green onions
• Cilantro – If you are not a fan of cilantro, fresh flat leaf parsley is a great substitute.
• Garlic powder

How to Make Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise.
• With a spoon, scrape seeds and the white pith out of the peppers.
• Mix together remaining ingredients until well combined.
• Fill each jalapeno half with equal amounts of the cream cheese mixture.
• Place the filled jalapenos on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until bubbly.
• Turn broiler on for the last couple of minutes until filling is browned.

Other Easy Appetizer Ideas

If you are looking for other easy appetizer ideas that work well for game day treats, I have some great suggestions. These work at home or in the lot at the game:

• General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs
• Best Guacamole
• Chicken Taco Pinwheels
• Avocado Chicken Salad Dip