Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate appetizer. Whether they are for a party buffet or game time snacks, you will love these jalapenos, sliced in half and stuffed with a rich mixture of cream cheese and crispy bacon and baked to cheesy golden brown perfection.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Just like our Guacamole and Spinach Artichoke Dip, these bacon-stuffed jalapeno poppers are such a hit at parties and they always disappear fast. They are a great alternative to potato skins, so much creamier and still topped with crispy bacon, chives, and cheese.
Enjoy them on their own, or make a homemade dipping sauce for even more flavor (you’ll find some great options below).
Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
These are great at any time of the year, but between the holiday parties and sports parties coming up this season, we know that you will be looking for appetizer recipes and party snacks to share.
Why You’ll Love this Appetizer
- Simple to make – no fancy ingredients or tools required. If you have a knife, fork, spoon, and a baking sheet, you can make these.
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – can easily be transported to a party
- Finger food – no utensils or cutting required for serving
- Delicious warm or at room temperature – perfect for a party menu
- Customizable – See our variations below or try your own substitutions
Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeño Poppers use simple ingredients and are so EASY to make. The filling is similar to the filling used in our Cheeseball recipe and Stuffed Mushrooms but stuffed into jalapeño peppers instead.
- Jalapeños – Twelve, fresh and halved with the seeds and membrane removed
- Bacon – 6 ounces equals about 6 strips of bacon
- Cream Cheese – The base for the filling. Room temperature is best, making it easier to spread in the jalapeno halves
- Mild Cheddar Cheese – One cup, shredded
- Garlic – One clove, minced or grated
- Green Onion – Chopped white and green parts
- Salt and Pepper – add these to taste
- Parmesan Cheese – To sprinkle on top after cooking (optional)
Substitutions
These cream cheese-stuffed jalapenos are very easy to customize to your preferences.
- Cheese – You can use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild for more of a zing, pepper jack cheese for a kick
- Bacon – You can make keto-friendly bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers by wrapping the peppers and securing them with a toothpick before baking, giving you a crispy bacon crunch in every bite. Or, simply omit the bacon to make them vegetarian.
- Adjust the heat – If you like them spicy, leave some of the membrane or seeds inside. (See our tips below for choosing a spicy jalapeno)
- Mini Bell Pepper – If you or someone you’re cooking for can’t handle the heat, swap the jalapenos for baby bell peppers.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – One of my favorite ways to elevate these jalapeno poppers and make them extra crispy is by using Panko Bread Crumbs on top. This suggestion is from my cookbook, Natasha’s Kitchen. Combine 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tsp melted butter and sprinkle over the stuffed jalapenos. These will crisp up fabulously in the oven, you will love it!
How to Cut Jalapenos
First, grab a pair of kitchen gloves. Gloves are your friend with this recipe! Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise, from stem to tip. I prefer to leave the stems on since they serve as little handles but you can cut them off. Use a spoon to scrape the inside of the jalapeno halves. Remove and discard the seeds and membranes.
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers
- Prepare – Preheat your oven to 400°F and cook the bacon in a large skillet for about 3 minutes per side, until crisp and browned (you can also make Air Fryer Bacon). Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small bits.
- Mix – In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, green onion, shredded cheese, and bacon for the filling. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
- Slice – Put on your kitchen gloves. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scrape the inside of the jalapeño halves to remove and discard the seeds and membranes.
- Stuff – Stuff each jalapeño half with enough cream cheese mixture to sit level with the sides. Don’t be tempted to overstuff them. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheesy topping is golden brown in spots. Let the poppers cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onion if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tip:
Wear kitchen gloves when working with raw jalapeno peppers and avoid touching your face or eyes, you will thank me for this. Jalapenos are spicy so protect your skin from being burned while preparing this recipe.
How to Buy Jalapenos
If you want spicy Jalapeno Poppers, look for a pepper with white striations on the outside skin. These imperfections can be a sign of stress during growth, potentially leading to a spicier pepper. As jalapenos age on the plant, more white lines appear, and eventually, the pepper turns red (even after picking). Some find that fully ripened red jalapenos might be slightly hotter than green ones. Choose jalapenos with vibrant colors, whether green or red, and shiny skin as this can indicate freshness and potential heat.
Common Questions
This recipe is gluten-free and keto-friendly (Skip the optional panko bread crumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs).
The heat in a jalapeno comes from a compound called capsaicin which is in the membrane of the jalapeno, which we remove in this recipe. So after you prepare your stuffed poppers, you’ve removed most of the heat. Combined with the smooth cream cheese, most of the heat is reduced, leaving you with a creamy, cheesy, delicious, and not-too-spicy snack. If you like spice, see the note above on buying jalapenos.
Absolutely. These go quickly, so make sure you have plenty! And they freeze great, so make a bunch now and store some in the freezer for later.
You sure can. Jalapeno Poppers taste great when baked in the air fryer, and you can also reheat them in the air fryer as well. See the instructions below.
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers in an Air Fryer
We love the air fryer for making quick and easy appetizers like our popular Air Fried Chicken Wings. You can make these Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer just as easily. Arrange the stuffed jalapenos in a single layer and cook at 325°F for 10-12 minutes.
What to serve with Stuffed Jalapenos
Jalapeno Poppers are delicious and creamy on their own, but if you want to serve them with a dipping sauce, try:
- Ranch Dressing
- Sour Cream
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Jalapeno Ranch
- Salsa
Make-Ahead
Jalapeno Poppers are a great make-ahead appetizer. You can assemble the jalapeno poppers up to 3 days in advance and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. Bake or air fry per the instructions before serving.
- To Refrigerate: To store leftover, cooled Jalapeno Poppers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze previously cooked or uncooked Jalapeno Poppers. Just allow them to cool to room temperature and place them on a parchment paper-lined pan. Freeze until they are solid and then transfer them to a Ziploc freezer bag or an airtight container.
- To Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F. In the oven, they should take 10-15 minutes, in the air fryer, estimate about 8-10 minutes. You can microwave them as well, but microwaved poppers will not be as crispy.
Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon are not overly spicy and make a great appetizer or side dish for potlucks and parties.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you love these bacon-stuffed jalapeno poppers, then you won’t want to miss these other easy-to-make appetizer recipes. They are great served at home or can be packed up to bring to a party.
Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 12 jalapenos
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp green onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 6 oz bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Halve the jalapenos lengthwise*. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. Discard.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, green onion, shredded cheese, and cooked bacon for the filling. Use a fork to mash the mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Fill the jalapeno halves with the mixture to sit level with the sides. Don't be tempted to overstuff them. Place the stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts golden in color. Serve warm or cooled to room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Hi! I’m Natasha Kravchuk, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, food photographer, and writer. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home. 
These were delicious! I could have eaten the whole batch by myself!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
I have been doing this recipe for years but I add grated cheese to the cream cheese mix and then I add dill weed in as well. The rest of the recipe is the same. Everyone loves them! 😁👍
Aren’t they so good! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, Tim!
These jalapeño poppers are the best! Made them for a party and they didn’t last 5 minutes, now make them at home for a weekend snack for the family!
That is awesome, Liz! I’m happy to hear that, thank you for your good feedback!
They are great done on a gas grill
Yes! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Absolutely scrumptious! My husband loves finger foods and we’ve been enjoying your pizza dough recipe with lots of different toppings. After we saw the Jalapeno Poppers, I knew I had to give them a try! They were a big hit. Not too spicy but so full of flavor. Thanks again for another wonderful recipe.
Fantastic review! Thank you for sharing that with us, Valerie.
Hi wondering if you have or thought of creating a cookbook, be a go to for many 💙 Your recipes tried and true!Thank You ❤️🇨🇦
Hello Faye, I am currently working on a cookbook. I’ll definitely share it with everyone when it’s done!
i want one of your cook books cant wait anna i made your butter crust apple pie it was delicious all your recipes are easy and true and so good, im 74 and the first pie i ever made, i have made alot of your recipes because i know they will turn out and be good thanks so much
I am already working on a cookbook, thanks for patiently waiting! I hope you’ll love every recipe that you will try.
SO TRUE WISH YOU WOULD CREATE A COOK BOOK ALSO, NATASHA, I LOVE ALL OF YOUR RECIPES AND HAVE MADE ALOT ALWAYS SO PERFECT, NEVER FAIL AND LOVE THE WAY YOU EXPLAIN INSTRUCTIONS SO GOOD, PIE DOUGH, APPLE,ECT. FIRST TIME I EVER MADE DOUGH OR A PIE AND I’M 74 LOL, TRYING THE POPPERS RIGHT NOW, LOVE, LOVE YOUR RECIPES AND LOVE WATCHING YOU MAKE EVERYTHING,YOU ARE SO CUTE AND FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING, THANKS I’M JUDY FROM OHIO
I’m working on it, Judy. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
By the directions you’ve got it listed twice to bake these?
Hi Nancy, thank you so much for pointing that out. I have updated it.
Made these tonight and they turned out so delicious! Followed the recipe except I had the smoker going with a chunk of mesquite in it so threw them in. Wow great flavor will make again. Wanting to try the chicken lasagna next.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Made these poppers for the football weekend, fantastic. Bacon into the mixture great idea, no more wrapping. John
That’s nice to know. I’m glad you liked it, thanks for sharing!
Made these for football day and what a hit!!! YUM!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can you do a red velvet cupcake or cake
Hi Hana, I have that on my to-do list. Thank you for the request.
Did you see that she has a red velvet cake? I saw a video for it.
Hi natasha can you try turkish simit and I hope my suggestion and do it in a video
I will have to look that up. Thank you for the suggestion.
HI NATASHA, COULD YOU MAKE A ROAST THAT IS A BEEF ROAST WITH A PORK ROAST ON TOP, SOMEONE TOLD ME THERE GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS MADE THIS AND IT IS CALLED LION ROAST, AND SO FLAVORFUL AND MAKES THE GRAVY SO GOOD, SOUNDS GOOD, HOPE YOU MAKE IT SOME TIME ON A VIDEO, THANK YOU JUDY FROM OHIO
Thanks for your suggestion, Judy. I’ll take note of that. In the meantime, you may check out my Roasted Beef Tenderloin recipe.
I wonder if it’s really spicy?
Hi Oksana, it really depends on the jalapenos. Some are spicy and sometimes they are very mild. Most of the ones at the grocery store are fairly mild-moderate spiciness. Also, baking removes some of the spiciness and if you want less spice, be sure to remove and scrape out the seeds and the white stuff inside the jalapenos.
I use an apple corer to clean the pepper cores
That is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Ive been making these for years! I include some cumin, chili powder, some homemade spicy chili powder. For ease, i use bacon pieces (for salads) and also mix in shredded cheese into the mixture. After I fill the peppers I sprinkle any leftover bacon and shred cheese on top.
Yum! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Rose!
I normally wrap them in bacon. If I do it this way not so much bacon and looks so much easier. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome! I hope you love this recipe!
Can’t wait to try this recipe. Looks yummy and nutritious!
Thank you Teresa! I hope you love this jalapeno appetizer.
Natasha you are the best cook I know I have never been disappointed in any recipe I’ve tried I love to watch you and you are very intertaining also so cute, I made your butter pie crust and the first time I ever made a pie crust and I’m 74 years old, and loved it, thank you so much for sharing your recipes, I have learned so much from you!!!!! don’t stop ever your friend anna…..
Awww thank you for that wonderful feedback. Thank you so much Anna!
Looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try this one with my family.
Hi Katie, please try! I hope this becomes your new favorite at home.
Super delicious! Perfect appetizer for game day! The guys are going to LOVE these for the Super Bowl!
Hi Betsy, that sounds fun! I hope these will become a hit and your new favorite at home!
We have made this for decades with bacon and wrapped around them but after seeing your recipe this looks much more tastier have all the ingredients going to make them Today 🙂 we made so many of your recipes the truth is we like 99% of them Thank you so much ❤️
Thank you for that wonderful feedback! I hope you give this a try soon! It is so so good!
Gave these a try with dinner and they did not disappoint! Loved all the flavor with a kick! Easily, a new favorite!
Thank you so much for your great review, Sara! I’m glad you loved this recipe.
Looks delicious! I’ve tried these before except that I didn’t put bacon. I bet they’d taste amazing with it!
Also, an of topic question, are there gonna be bloopers this year?
Thank you Anna! I hope you try these jalapeno poppers with the bacon in them also. We are working on a bloopers video and hopefully will have one posted next week. I’m glad you enjoy those.