Game Day Jalapeno Poppers Turkey Bacon (Printer-Friendly)
Spicy, cheesy jalapeño halves stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, wrapped in crispy turkey bacon. A perfect game day bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers
→ Cheeses & Dairy
02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Meats
04 - 8 slices turkey bacon, halved crosswise
→ Seasonings
05 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ¼ teaspoon onion powder
07 - ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Garnishes
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
02 - For safety, wear kitchen gloves. Carefully halve each jalapeño pepper lengthwise. Using a small spoon, remove the seeds and membranes. For a milder flavor, remove all membranes; for extra heat, leave some intact.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
04 - Generously fill each prepared jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
05 - Take one halved slice of turkey bacon and tightly wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half. If necessary, secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place during cooking.
06 - Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the turkey bacon is crisp and the cheese filling is bubbly and lightly golden.
07 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the poppers to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You'll be amazed at how quickly these come together, yet they taste like a gourmet appetizer.
- That perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and smoky crunch is utterly addictive—trust me, you can't eat just one!
02 -
- The number one rule when dealing with fresh jalapeños: wear gloves! Those capsaicin oils can linger and cause quite a sting if they get into your eyes.
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened—trying to mix cold cream cheese with cheddar results in lumpy frustration, which you definitely want to avoid.
03 -
- Avoid overstuffing your jalapeño halves; while tempting, too much filling can spill out and create a messy tray.
- For an ultimate crispy bacon finish, turn on the broiler for the last minute or two of baking, watching them like a hawk to prevent burning.