Score big with these crowd-pleasing Jalapeño Poppers! Each pepper is stuffed with a rich, cheesy filling and wrapped in crispy bacon for the ultimate bite-sized Super Bowl snack. They bring the perfect mix of spice, creaminess, and crunch—easy to prep, quick to bake, and always the first to vanish from the party tray.
12 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
12 slices bacon, cut in half
Optional: chopped chives or hot sauce for garnish
Optional twist: Add crumbled sausage or finely chopped green onions to the cheese filling for extra flavor, or brush the bacon with a little maple syrup before baking for a sweet-heat contrast.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Place on the rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and peppers are tender.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish if desired.