Description
Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, and smoked paprika, baked to golden perfection. This appetizer packs a flavorful punch with a delightful balance of spicy, cheesy, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
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
Wrapping
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and place a cooling rack on top. Set aside.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat. Arrange the halves cut-side up on the prepared rack.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat together cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined. Optionally, add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Assemble Jalapeños: Evenly spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Wrap each stuffed half with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick through the center to hold the bacon in place.
- Bake: Place the assembled jalapeños on the baking rack and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. If desired, broil for 1 minute at the end for extra crispy bacon, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble jalapeños up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Special Tools: Baking sheet, silicone baking mat or parchment paper, baking rack, electric mixer or silicone spatula.
- Peppers: Substitute jalapeños with mini sweet peppers for a milder, less spicy appetizer.
- Cheese: Try shredded Mexican-style cheese or pepper jack cheese as alternatives. Freshly shredding block cheese yields the best texture.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius). Arrange assembled jalapeños in a single layer and air fry for 12 minutes, working in batches if necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed jalapeño half
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
