Jalapeno Poppers

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Last Updated on September 4, 2025 by Casia Valdés

When you’re in the mood for a spicy, creamy, and satisfyingly crispy snack, Jalapeño Poppers are a must-make. This recipe takes classic poppers to the next level with a rich cream cheese filling enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil—then wraps them in smoky bacon for the ultimate flavor explosion.

These poppers are a crowd favorite at game-day parties, barbecues, or any gathering that calls for finger food with flair. They’re easy to make, quick to bake, and even easier to devour. I first tried these at a backyard cookout and was instantly hooked. Since then, they’ve become a go-to appetizer whenever I want to impress with minimal effort.

Whether you’re new to stuffed peppers or a seasoned spice lover, this version strikes the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory.

Why You’ll Love These Jalapeño Poppers

  • Stuffed with a creamy, garlicky cheese filling

  • Wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon

  • Bold in flavor but easy to make

  • Perfect for parties, appetizers, or game-day snacks

  • Bakes in under 25 minutes

Let’s dive into this addictive appetizer!

Ingredients

  • 10 jalapeño peppers

  • 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened

  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)

  • 10 slices bacon

  • Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.

2. Prepare the Jalapeños

Slice off the stems of the jalapeños.
Using a small spoon or paring knife, carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle to avoid tearing the peppers.

Tip: Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.

3. Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • Softened cream cheese

  • Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

  • Chopped basil

  • Minced garlic

  • Salt and pepper

Mix until smooth and well-blended.

4. Stuff the Peppers

Transfer the filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
Pipe the filling into each jalapeño, just to the top. Don’t overfill, as the mixture may expand slightly while baking.

5. Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each stuffed pepper with one slice of bacon.
Secure the ends with a toothpick to keep everything in place during baking.

6. Bake and Broil

Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.

  • Bake for 20 minutes.

  • Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and browned.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy warm as an appetizer, snack, or party dish!

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and top with shredded cheese for a crispy finish.

  • Extra Spicy: Leave some seeds in the peppers or add cayenne to the filling.

  • Cheddar Mix: Blend cream cheese with shredded cheddar for a more tangy bite.

  • Sweet Touch: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before broiling for a sweet-spicy contrast.

Tips for Success

  • Use uniform-sized jalapeños so they cook evenly.

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing.

  • Use thick-cut bacon for more bite, or thin-cut for a crisper wrap.

  • Keep an eye on the broiler—bacon can brown quickly!

Serving Suggestions

Jalapeño poppers are best served hot and fresh with:

  • A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing

  • Cold beer or sparkling water

  • As part of a finger food spread with sliders, wings, or nachos

  • Garnished with chopped chives or parsley for color

Final Thoughts

Jalapeño Poppers are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. They combine the satisfying crunch of bacon with creamy cheese and a spicy kick—all in one perfectly sized bite. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers serious flavor with very little fuss. Once you make them, they’ll be on permanent rotation in your appetizer lineup.

Jalapeno Poppers

Easy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with a creamy garlic cheese filling. Perfect spicy appetizer!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 10 jalapeño peppers
  • 8 oz cream cheese 1 package, softened
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 10 slices bacon
  • Toothpicks to secure the bacon

Method
 

Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
Prepare the Jalapeños
  1. Slice off the stems of the jalapeños.
  2. Using a small spoon or paring knife, carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle to avoid tearing the peppers.
Tip: Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
    Make the Filling
      In a medium bowl, combine:
      1. Softened cream cheese
      2. Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
      3. Chopped basil
      4. Minced garlic
      5. Salt and pepper
      6. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
      Stuff the Peppers
      1. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
      2. Pipe the filling into each jalapeño, just to the top. Don’t overfill, as the mixture may expand slightly while baking.
      Wrap with Bacon
      1. Wrap each stuffed pepper with one slice of bacon.
      2. Secure the ends with a toothpick to keep everything in place during baking.
      Bake and Broil
      1. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
      2. Bake for 20 minutes.
      3. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and browned.
      Serve
      1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
      2. Enjoy warm as an appetizer, snack, or party dish!