Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (Printer-Friendly Version)

Jalapenos stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon and baked until golden, perfect for parties or gatherings.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Filling

01 - 200 g cream cheese, softened
02 - 100 g cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Peppers & Wrapping

06 - 10 large jalapeno peppers (approximately 3 inches each)
07 - 5 slices streaky bacon, standard cut

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Slice each jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and ribs using a spoon for mild heat.
02 - In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
03 - Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the jalapeno halves, stuffing each cavity and smoothing the top.
04 - Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a halved bacon strip, securing with a toothpick if needed. Ensure bacon slightly overlaps for full coverage.
05 - Arrange bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly.
06 - Let poppers rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by ranch dressing.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Avoid thick-cut bacon as it may not crisp properly; standard cut yields a better texture.
02 - Popper assembly can be completed up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.