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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites

Bacon jalapeño popper bites with golden bacon-wrapped jalapeño halves oozing melted cream cheese and cheddar. Baked until the filling bubbles and the bacon turns crisp with a light char on the edges.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

jalapeños
  • 12 large jalapeños halved lengthwise and seeded
cream cheese filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
bacon
  • 12 thin-cut bacon strips; halved crosswise
topping
  • 1 honey for drizzling (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack so the bacon can crisp as it bakes.
Make the filling
  1. Mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined and smooth.
Fill and wrap
  1. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
Wrap with bacon
  1. Wrap each filled jalapeño half tightly with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Bake
  1. Arrange the bites on the wire rack and bake for 18–22 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbling.
Finish and serve
  1. Drizzle with honey if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For extra bite, pat the jalapeños dry before filling so the bacon adheres and browns better. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat on a rack in a 375°F oven until hot and the cheese is bubbling again. These do not freeze well due to texture changes in the jalapeños. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and half the shredded cheddar (baking time stays the same).