Express Holiday Jalapeño Poppers

Featured in: Simple Feasts

This festive dish combines fresh jalapeños filled with a blend of cream and cheddar cheeses, enhanced with garlic and smoked paprika. Each piece is wrapped in crispy bacon, delivering a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings, these poppers bake to golden perfection in under 20 minutes. Simple to prepare and packed with bold taste, they make an easy and satisfying appetizer.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:29:00 GMT
Express Holiday Jalapeño Poppers with crispy bacon and melted cheese, ready to serve as a festive appetizer. Save
Express Holiday Jalapeño Poppers with crispy bacon and melted cheese, ready to serve as a festive appetizer. | sugarprairie.com

A festive, spicy appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese wrapped in crispy bacon& perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 6 large fresh jalapeño peppers
  • Dairy: 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese softened
  • Dairy: 60 g (2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Meats: 6 slices thin cut bacon halved
  • Spices & Pantry: 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Spices & Pantry: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Spices & Pantry: Pinch of salt
  • Spices & Pantry: Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes (wear gloves for safety).
Step 3:
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4:
Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Step 5:
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
Step 6:
Arrange poppers on the prepared baking sheet, cheese side up.
Step 7:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbling.
Step 8:
Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
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| sugarprairie.com

Golden, bubbly Express Holiday Jalapeño Poppers with a spicy kick, perfect for your holiday celebration spread. Save
Golden, bubbly Express Holiday Jalapeño Poppers with a spicy kick, perfect for your holiday celebration spread. | sugarprairie.com

Serve with ranch or sour cream dip for added creaminess.

Kitchen Help

How do I prepare the jalapeños safely?

Wear gloves when slicing and seeding jalapeños to avoid irritation from the capsaicin oils.

Can I substitute the bacon for a lighter option?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

What cheeses are used in the filling?

A combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar creates a creamy, flavorful filling.

How do I ensure the bacon turns crispy?

Arrange the wrapped jalapeños cheese side up on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.

Any tips for extra flavor?

Adding chopped chives or green onions to the cheese mixture enhances freshness and depth.

Express Holiday Jalapeño Poppers

Festive jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon for a flavorful start.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Simple Feasts

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Without gluten, Carb-Conscious

Components

Vegetables

01 6 large fresh jalapeño peppers

Dairy

01 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Meats

01 6 slices thin-cut bacon, halved

Spices & Pantry

01 1/4 tsp garlic powder
02 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
03 Pinch of salt
04 Pinch of black pepper

Method steps

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare Jalapeños: Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes using gloves for safety.

Phase 03

Mix Cheese Filling: Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.

Phase 04

Stuff Jalapeños: Fill each jalapeño half evenly with the cheese mixture.

Phase 05

Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.

Phase 06

Arrange and Bake: Place poppers cheese side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbly.

Phase 07

Cool and Serve: Allow poppers to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Toothpicks (optional)
  • Gloves (recommended for handling jalapeños)

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and pork products.
  • May contain gluten if processed bacon or cheese is used; check labels accordingly.
  • Caution advised for individuals sensitive to spicy foods.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 9 g