Description
Delicious bacon wrapped cheesy stuffed jalapeños featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, baked to crispy perfection. A perfect appetizer or snack with a smoky, spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
Cheese 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
Wrap & Assembly
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and place a cooling rack on top. Set aside.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Arrange the halves cut-side up on a plate or tray.
- Make the Filling: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and thoroughly combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Assemble Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed jalapeño halves. Wrap each stuffed half with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick through the center. Arrange them on the prepared rack to allow air circulation while cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the bacon is browned and crisp. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final minute while closely monitoring to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed jalapeños warm. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the jalapeños 1 day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Special Tools: Baking sheet, silicone baking mat or parchment paper, baking rack, electric mixer or silicone spatula.
- Peppers: For a milder version, replace jalapeños with mini sweet peppers.
- Cheese: Try shredded Mexican-style or pepper jack cheese. Freshly shredding cheese from a block yields the best texture.
- Air Fryer Option: Assemble and air fry at 375°F (191°C) for 10–12 minutes in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapeño halves
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
