Looking for a spicy, delicious appetizer? These Stuffed Jalapenos are the perfect choice! Filled with creamy cheese and wrapped in bacon, they are sure to be a hit at your next party, game day, or gathering.
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If you love jalapenos like I do, these Jalapeno Poppers are for you! The combination of crisp, crunchy bacon, cheesy filling, and spicy jalapenos can’t be beat! Not only are these a favorite with everyone any time I make them, but they are easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your tastes. For more Jalapeno recipes, check out my Jalapeno Popper Dip, Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels, and Jalapeno Grilled Chicken!
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Why make these Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
- Cheesy– have fun with this part. The recipe calls for goat cheese, but you can use cream cheese or a mixed blend with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese!
- Bacon– are you a bacon lover? I LOVE it crispy! With each popper being individually wrapped with a slice of bacon, each bite has the perfect amount!
- Crowd Pleaser– this recipe can easily be scaled up if making for large crowds! Perfect for any party, gathering, game day, Super bowl, and more! We love making this during the summer months out on the grill to serve during BBQ’s!
- Easy to Prep Ahead– save time by making these the day before needed. Simply cover the pan and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Fits any Occasion– whether you serve for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Superbowl Sunday, or any time company comes over, these will be the first thing to disappear!
Ingredient Notes
Below is a brief overview of the ingredients needed to make cream cheese stuffed jalapenos. To see printable recipe card with exact amounts, scroll to the bottom of this post or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.
- Jalapenos– most recipes halve the jalapenos, but personally, I prefer whole jalapenos. The bigger the pepper, the more filling can fit inside, so pick your size accordingly. To reduce the heat, remove the seeds to make room for the cheesy mixture.
- Cheese– although this recipe calls for 4 ounces goat cheese, you can easily use cream cheese. You can also use half cream cheese and mix in some shredded Cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack cheese.
- Smoked Chipotle Pepper– one of my favorite additions. You’ll combine it with the cheese and stuff it into each pepper. It adds such a tasty smoky, bold flavor. Try not to skip this!
- Bacon– you’ll need one piece of bacon per popper. Any brand works great, I have the best luck with thick cut.
- Honey– MY SECRET INGREDIENT! Add a small dollop onto the inside of the popper BEFORE stuffing the cheese mixture inside. As the heat cooks the popper, the honey will caramelize and the last bite of each popper will be sweet and spicy. It’s my most favorite part of this recipe!
Making Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers
- Preheat– preheat oven to 350 degrees OR you can use your grill over medium heat to keep the heat out of the kitchen.
- Prepare Jalapenos– clean out the jalapenos and remove all the seeds. PRO TIP: if you want things spicy, keep some of the seeds in the peppers. Add your dollop of honey and allow to drip to bottom of pepper.
- Make the Filling– combine the goat cheese and Chipotle pepper. Feel free to stir in shredded cheese.
- Stuff Jalapenos– using a spoon, scoop the cheese mixture and stuff it into each pepper. You can fill up to just before the top of the pepper. Wrap one piece of bacon around each of the peppers. PRO TIP: use a toothpick to keep bacon securely onto outside of jalapeno.
- Bake Jalapeno Poppers and Serve– place the stuffed peppers onto a cookie sheet (or into a jalapeno rack) and cook in oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until golden-brown and bacon is crispy with cheeses are heated through. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Customization Options
If you don’t want to wrap the bacon around the pepper, you can cook and crumble the bacon into the cheese mixture and stuff it into each pepper. You can also add additional seasonings and cheeses to the cheese mixture filling. Sometimes we add a little all purpose seasoning, paprika, chives, or garlic powder to really enhance the flavor. You can also chop up some green onions or cooked meat like brisket, chicken, or beef for added protein. For an added crunch, feel free to add in some panko bread crumbs!
Storing and Making Ahead
To make ahead, prepare the jalapeno stuffed peppers until bacon wrapped. Rather than put into the oven to cook, you can cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in the fridge. They will be good up to 2 days in advance. If storing leftovers, place peppers in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days. You can reheat using the microwave or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Tips for Success
- While stuffing the peppers, avoid touching your face. It may sound like common sense, but without thinking, you’ll go to scratch an itch and if the juices touch you, you won’t like it. It burns and isn’t fun. If you have disposable gloves on hand, I suggest wearing them!
- Add a dipping sauce when serving these. We love dipping these into Ranch dressing, Southern Comeback Sauce, or my Alabama White BBQ sauce.
- If you want these to be a full meal, add in some leftover cooked meat and stuff it inside. Not only is it a great way to use up leftovers, but it’s a quick meal option (Texas Twinkies).
What Recipes to serve with Stuffed Jalapenos
Ground Beef Nachos– crunchy tortilla chips piled high with taco seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, creamy Queso cheese, and all the toppings you desire!
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas– loaded with savory shredded chicken, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Cheeseburger Sliders– perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day snack. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a soft bun, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders– the ultimate comfort food that packs a punch of flavor in every bite! These mini sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken, zesty ranch dressing, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls.
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes– a quick and easy twist on the classic American favorite! With a garlic butter crust, homemade sloppy joe meat mixture, and melted cheese, its comfort food at its finest!
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Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 jalapenos *cored/seeded
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 teaspoon smoked chipotle pepper
- 12 slices bacon
- 12 teaspoon honey *optional
Instructions
- Clean out jalapenos and remove all seeds.
- Place 1 teaspoon of honey in the bottom of each jalapeno.
- In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese and chipotle pepper.
- Using a knife, scoop some cheese mixture and stuff into each pepper. *Be sure to fill it only about ¾ full as you don’t want it to make a mess by oozing out.
- Take one piece of bacon per jalapeno and wrap it around the jalapeno. Use a toothpick through the center to secure the bacon in place.
- Place each jalapeno in the holder (or laying on a cookie sheet) and cook in the oven for 18-22 minutes at 350, or grill for about 25 minutes (on cool end of grill).
- Remove toothpick once cooked and serve!! Enjoy!!
Nutrition
Carol Taylor says
what is smoked chipotle pepper? is it a spice, or is it the little can of peppers?
Kristin says
Smoked Chipotle Pepper is a spice found in the spice section of the grocery store. If you don’t have any, feel free to omit, or use Cayenne pepper for some heat! Enjoy!