Ingredients:
- 12 fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the jalapeno peppers:
- Wearing disposable gloves, cut the stem ends off the jalapenos and slice them in half lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes from each pepper. This will help reduce the heat, but you can leave some seeds if you prefer spicier poppers.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the jalapeno halves:
- Take a small amount of the cream cheese mixture and stuff it into each jalapeno half. Press down gently to fill them without overstuffing.
- Once all the jalapenos are filled, take one of the bacon halves and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeno, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the toothpick goes through the bacon and pepper to hold it together.
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Bake the poppers:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking.
- If you prefer even crispier bacon, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers warm as an appetizer or party snack. They are best enjoyed when still hot and gooey.
Note: Be cautious while handling jalapenos, as the oils can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear disposable gloves and avoid touching your face while working with them. Additionally, remove the toothpicks before serving the poppers.
Enjoy your delicious Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers!
