Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe

Looking for a spicy, delicious appetizer? These Stuffed Jalapenos are the perfect choice! Filled with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, and made with whole jalapeno peppers, they’re always a hit at parties, game day gatherings, summer cookouts, and backyard BBQs.

If you love jalapenos like I do, these stuffed jalapenos are for you! The combination of crisp bacon, cheesy filling, and spicy jalapenos can’t be beat. Unlike traditional jalapeno poppers, these stuffed jalapenos use whole peppers filled with goat cheese, smoky chipotle peppers, and a touch of honey for the perfect balance of sweet heat. If you can’t get enough jalapenos, be sure to try my Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels and Candied Jalapenos, too!

What Makes These Different

I’ve made plenty of stuffed jalapeno recipes over the years, but this version is the one everyone requests. These whole stuffed jalapenos are filled with tangy goat cheese, smoky chipotle peppers, and a touch of honey before being wrapped in bacon and cooked until crisp.

• Uses whole jalapenos instead of halved peppers
• Goat cheese creates a creamy, tangy filling for these cheesy stuffed jalapeños.
• Honey balances the heat and smoky chipotle flavor
• Easy to make in the oven or on the grill

Ingredient Notes

Below is a brief overview of the key ingredients needed to make these bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos. For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top.

• Jalapenos: Most stuffed jalapeno recipes use halved peppers, but I prefer using whole jalapenos. Larger peppers hold more filling and are easier to stuff. For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes.
• Goat Cheese: Most jalapeno poppers use cream cheese, but goat cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky chipotle peppers. If preferred, you can substitute cream cheese or use a combination of both.
• Smoked Chipotle Pepper: My favorite addition! It adds a smoky, bold flavor that takes these bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos beyond the traditional version.
• Honey: My secret ingredient. A small drizzle in the bottom of each pepper balances the heat and creates the perfect sweet-and-spicy finish.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Swap the goat cheese for cream cheese, or use a combination of both.
• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
• For less heat and less spiciness, remove all seeds and membranes.
• Add cooked sausage to the filling for a heartier appetizer. If you enjoy stuffed peppers with meat, you’ll also love my Texas Twinkies.
• Skip wrapping the peppers in bacon and stir cooked, crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture instead.
• Texas Armadillo Eggs Variation: Wrap the stuffed jalapeños in breakfast sausage before adding the bacon, then bake until the sausage is cooked through.

How to Make Stuffed Jalapenos

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, or use a grill over medium heat to keep the heat out of the kitchen. Clean out the whole jalapenos and remove the seeds and membranes. For extra heat, leave some of the seeds inside the peppers. Add a small dollop of honey to each pepper, allowing it to settle to the bottom before stuffing.

Step 2. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese and smoked chipotle pepper. If desired, stir in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for even more flavor.

Step 3. Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno with the cheese mixture, stopping just below the top. Wrap one slice of bacon around each pepper and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Step 4. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet (or in a jalapeno rack) and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is heated through. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid irritation from the oils.
• Choose larger peppers for easier stuffing and more filling in every bite.
• There’s no need to boil the peppers before stuffing. They soften perfectly while baking or grilling.
• Secure the bacon with a toothpick if it starts to unwrap during cooking.
• Serve with Ranch dressing, Southern Comeback Sauce, or Alabama White BBQ Sauce for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed jalapenos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the jalapenos up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake or grill.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer or oven until heated through and the bacon is crisp again.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos are perfect for game day spreads, summer cookouts, and backyard BBQs. Pair them with:

• Ground Beef Nachos
• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
• Cheeseburger Sliders
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
• Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe FAQs

More Jalapeno Recipes You’ll Love

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