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Savory Stuffed Jalapeños with Cheesy Bacon Filling

savory stuffed jalapeños - featured image

These savory stuffed jalapeños combine smoky bacon, melted cheese, and the gentle heat of fresh jalapeños for a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or small knife to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to heat.
  3. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop once cooled.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly incorporated.
  5. Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each jalapeño half with the cheesy bacon mixture. Pack gently but do not overfill.
  6. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly and jalapeños are tender but still firm.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before mixing for smooth filling. Cook bacon ahead to avoid soggy peppers. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent irritation. For extra crispiness, broil for last 2 minutes watching closely. Adjust baking time if jalapeños are larger. Can freeze before baking; add 10 minutes to cooking time when baking from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed jalapeños, bacon, cheese, appetizer, party food, easy recipe, spicy snack