Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect party appetizer! Made with a creamy filling and wrapped in crispy bacon, these jalapeno poppers are an irresistible low-carb appetizer that will light any appetite on fire!
Looking for more recipes that bacon simply makes better? Check out my recipes for Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Ranch Potato Salad, and BLT Salad.
![Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos Grilled Jalapeno Poppers wrapped in bacon on white platter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Bacon-Wrapped-Jalapenos.jpg)
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Prove Everything is Better with Bacon
Adding bacon to any recipe makes it appeal to the masses, and it is no different when it comes to Jalapeno Poppers. The savory, rich flavor of the bacon adds incredible flavor to both the jalapenos themselves and the creamy filling. The bacon also replaces the classic breadcrumb coating, making this appetizer low-carb and gluten-free. Just be warned, you may need to hide these jalapeno poppers from your family if you intend to take them to a party. They disappear faster than Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and that is saying something!
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Soak Toothpicks in Water
I like to use toothpicks to help secure the bacon to the stuffed jalapenos. You can opt to skip this step, but if you plan to use toothpicks, you want to soak the toothpicks in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent them from burning while the poppers bake or grill.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
The filling for these jalapeno poppers is made simply by combining cream cheese with salt and spices. Keep in mind you want to be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before preparing the jalapeno popper filling so that everything combines easily together.
![Low Carb Jalapeno Poppers Cream Cheese Filling for Stuffed Jalapenos next to jalapenos.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Low-Carb-Jalapeno-Poppers.jpg)
Select Large Jalapenos
You want to select relatively large jalapenos so that they are easy to stuff with the cream cheese filling. Keep in mind, it is best to use caution when working with hot peppers. I recommend using plastic gloves OR washing your hands very thoroughly after slicing the peppers open and removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeno.
Don't Overstuff the Jalapenos
You want to fill each half of the jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture so that the cavity is full, but not overflowing with cream cheese or the filling will not be contained by the bacon.
![Jalapeno Popper Recipe Grilled Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese filling on cutting board.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Gluten-Free-Jalapeno-Poppers.jpg)
Don't Overlap the Bacon
You want to cover the jalapeno popper entirely with bacon, but it is best to not overlap the bacon much, as that prevents it from crisping up. Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may only need half a slice of bacon per popper.
Bake, Smoke, or Grill the Jalapeno Poppers
You can opt to grill, smoke, or even bake your poppers. I have provided instructions for each variation in the recipe card.
![Jalapeno Poppers wtih Bacon Jalapeno Poppers on baking sheet wrapped in bacon after being baked.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Jalapeno-Poppers-with-Bacon-1.jpg)
recipe modifications
- For really crispy bacon: If you want SUPER crispy bacon, I recommend pre-cooking your bacon before assembling the jalapeno poppers. Microwave the bacon for 2 minutes on a paper-towel-lined plate or bake the bacon in a 400-degree F oven for 5 minutes prior to assembling the jalapeno poppers.
- Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers: For a cheesy filling, add up to ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to cream cheese mixture.
Storage/Make-Ahead Directions
- Make-Ahead: Jalapeno Poppers can be assembled up to cooking 3 days before cooking. Assemble as directed, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3 days. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking as directed.
- Store: Let the bacon-wrapped poppers cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, broil jalapeno poppers for 2-3 minutes to warm through and keep the bacon crispy.
More Favorite Appetizer Recipes
- Homemade Salsa
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Texas Caviar
- Irish Nachos
- Rotel Sausage Dip
- Tomato Bruschetta
- Vietnamese Spring Roll Recipe
If you tried these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, I would love to know how you enjoyed them! Leave a comment and review below.
![Close up of bacon wrapped jalpeno popper](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Smoked-Bacon-Wrapped-Jalapenos-360x360.jpg)
Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 6-12 strips thick-cut pork bacon
- 6 large jalapenos sliced lengthwise, seed and ribs removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Soak toothpicks or wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 15-30 minutes.
- Combine cream cheese with paprika, garlic, onion powder and salt.
- Fill the cavity of each jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture, and then wrap a slice of the bacon securely around the jalapeno. Secure with a toothpick.
To Bake Jalapeno Poppers
- Place the assembled poppers onto a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with a metal rack. Bake at 425 degrees for 17-22 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
To Grill Jalapeno Poppers
- Place the prepared poppers cut side down directly onto a grill heated to medium-low heat. Grill just until bacon begins to crisp up and then flip over. Grill for an additional 15-17 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked and the jalapenos are softened.
To Smoke Jalapeno Poppers
- Place the assembled jalapeno poppers onto a smoker heated to 200 degrees, cut side up. Smoke for 25-30 minutes until the jalapenos are soft and the bacon is cooked. Turn the smoker up to 375 degrees, flip, and smoke for an additional 10 minutes, flipping once half-way through , or until bacon is crispy and rendered. Keep a close eye on the poppers as to not burn the bacon.
Susan
I recently bought an air fryer oven. It’s a feature that comes on a regular oven.
Do you have any advice on using an air fry oven? I need help!
Thanks
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Susan! I am sorry, I am not familiar with this oven at this time.
Renee Goerger
My husband will be so happy that I found your recipe. He's the jalapeno popper fan in the family. I can't wait to make these for him. Thanks for the recipe!!
Kristen Chidsey
You bet Renee--our family loves these as well.
Justine Howell
OMG can I say the perfect appetizer!!
Kristen Chidsey
That's what we say at our house too 😉
Karly
Maaaaay be my new favrotie grill recipe. Like, ever. These look SO good, and I love the char you get from the grill! Gotta show this one to the hubby 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Ah thanks so much Karly--I greatly appreciate you taking the time to stop by and tell me that. And yes--these are pretty irresistible!
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen
I made poppers too because seriously how can you not love them!? Bacon wrapped is the only way to go! These look incredible and I love that they are lengthwise which is so much easier! 🙂 Would love 10!
Kristen Chidsey
Yes, you totally can not go wrong with bacon!!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
KRISTEN!!!! You are speaking my language girl--- Smoky paprika! Bacon. Cream cheese. GAH! Can't wait to try these!
Kristen Chidsey
Enjoy my dear friend!
Alyssa
I love the idea to grill these. I dread turning on the oven in this weather but my husband loves jalapeño poppers.
Kristen Chidsey
Yes in this heat it is CRAZY to turn on the oven. So ready for cooler weather.
Taylor Kiser
Love the big flavors in these! Perfect party food!
Kristen Chidsey
Perfect party food for sure!
Erin
Every time I have jalapeno poppers at a party, I promise myself that I am going to make them!!! And yet ... never. Maybe this is the inspiration I need to finally make my own jalapeno poppers. These look amazing!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope this is JUST the inspiration you need to make them yourself. I promise they are so amazing.
Linda @ 2 Cookin' Mamas
Holy smokey deliciousness! These are definitely going to be on my grill this weekend! 'Cause everything's better with bacon. 🙂 These are the perfect game day appetizer.
Kristen Chidsey
🙂 Enjoy Linda. You won't regret adding these to your weekend plans!
Heather Kinnaird
anything wrapped in bacon is delicious, but jalapeno poppers are a favorite around here- perfect for football watching
Kristen Chidsey
Perfect football food for sure!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
Everything's better with bacon! Great idea to add the smoked paprika! This is the perfect snack for football season!
Kristen Chidsey
The smoked paprika is a nice touch to carry through that smokey flavor.
Michele
What a great idea adding the paprika to the cream cheese.... that flavor sounds divine! Cant wait to try these out! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
They are pretty amazing. I hope you love them!
Marye
These sound amazing, I definitely want to try them the next time we grill!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you do! They are easy and always a crowd pleaser!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
This will be a perfect appetizer for football season!
Kristen Chidsey
We sure think so!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy
So true. It's blasphemy to not love something wrapped in bacon. I love the idea of some spice and savory here!
Kristen Chidsey
Blasphemy, indeed my friend.