Get ready to spice up your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe for bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños! These little bites of heaven are the perfect combination of heat, cheese, and crispy bacon. They make for a delicious appetizer or a tasty snack that will leave you craving for more.
In this easy-to-follow recipe, we will guide you through the steps of gathering the necessary ingredients, prepping the jalapeños, stuffing them with cheese, wrapping them with bacon, and finally baking them to perfection.
With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you’ll be able to whip up a plateful of these irresistible treats in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to satisfy your cravings, these bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños are sure to be a hit. So, get ready to indulge in a burst of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds!
Gathering Ingredients and Prep Work
First, gather 12 fresh jalapeños, making sure they are nice and firm. You will also need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For the bacon, you will need 12 slices of thin-cut bacon. Don’t forget to grab some toothpicks to secure the bacon in place! Once you have everything ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start prepping the jalapeños by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes.
Once the jalapeños are prepped, in a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Now, it’s time to stuff those jalapeños! Take about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and fill each jalapeño half with it. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Preparing the Jalapeños
First, you’ll want to carefully slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and ribs for a milder heat. To do this, start by rinsing the jalapeños under cold water and patting them dry. Then, using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise cut down the center of each jalapeño, being careful not to cut all the way through. Next, gently remove the seeds and ribs from each half, using a spoon or your fingers. This step is crucial if you prefer a milder flavor. Once the jalapeños are sliced and cleaned, they are ready to be stuffed with your desired filling. Whether it’s cream cheese, cheddar cheese, or a combination of both, the choice is yours. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different fillings to suit your taste buds.
Stuffing the Jalapeños with Cheese
Once you’ve carefully prepared the jalapeños, it’s time to indulge in the cheesy goodness by stuffing them with your favorite combination of cream cheese and cheddar. Begin by cutting off the tops of the jalapeños and removing the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. Then, using a small spoon or your fingers, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, making sure to pack it in tightly. For an extra kick, you can also add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. Once all the jalapeños are stuffed, wrap each one with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. The bacon not only adds a smoky flavor but also helps to keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking. Now that your jalapeños are stuffed and wrapped, they are ready to be grilled or baked to perfection.
Wrapping the Jalapeños with Bacon
To add an extra layer of flavor and a crispy texture, start by carefully encasing the jalapeños in savory slices of bacon. Take each bacon slice and wrap it around a stuffed jalapeño, making sure to secure it with toothpicks if needed. The bacon not only adds a delicious smoky taste but also helps to keep the jalapeños together during the cooking process. The fatty nature of the bacon ensures that the jalapeños stay moist and tender while becoming wonderfully crisp on the outside. As the bacon cooks, it releases its fat and infuses the jalapeños with its rich flavor. This combination of spicy jalapeños and salty, fatty bacon creates a mouthwatering appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Baking and Serving the Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños
Now it is time to pop these delicious bites into the oven and get ready to wow your guests with a mouthwatering treat. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully place the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the jalapeños cool for a few minutes before serving. These bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately to your guests and watch them disappear in no time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños need to bake in the oven?
The bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños need to bake in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of the suggested one?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese instead of the suggested one. Experimenting with different cheeses can add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them later?
Yes, you can make these ahead of time and reheat them later. They can be prepared in advance and then reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy are the jalapeños after they are baked?
After baking, the jalapeños retain their spiciness but become milder. The baking process helps to soften the heat, making them more enjoyable for those who prefer a milder spice level.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier option?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a healthier alternative to regular bacon in this recipe. It still adds a delicious smoky flavor while reducing the overall fat content.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños
Ingredients
Instructions
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Rinse the jalapenos under cold water and pat them dry. Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the seeds and ribs to reduce the heat. Be cautious while handling jalapenos, and consider wearing gloves to avoid contact with your skin.
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In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
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Spoon about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, pressing it in tightly. For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
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Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of bacon, making sure to secure it with toothpicks if needed.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Once the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
