52 minutes
A delightful appetizer featuring jalapeños stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon.
Jalapeno Peppers, halved and seeded
each
Cream Cheese, softened
0 oz
Cilantro, finely chopped
0 oz
Scallions, thinly sliced
0 oz
Garlic, minced
0 oz
Lime, zested
each
teaspoons
Black Pepper, freshly ground
teaspoons
Bacon, slices halved crosswise
0 oz
1. Prepare Baking Sheet and Jalapeños
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
2. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, finely chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, minced garlic, lime zest, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Stuff and Season Jalapeños
Season the inside of the jalapeño halves with kosher salt, then spoon about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, forming a slight dome on top.
4. Wrap with Bacon
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon. Arrange them on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each for even cooking.
5. Bake
Bake the jalapeño poppers in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is thoroughly cooked but not yet crisp.
6. Broil for Crispiness
Switch the oven to broil and broil the poppers for an additional 2 minutes, or until the bacon reaches golden crispiness. Watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly.
Bake poppers on a wire rack over a baking sheet at a high temperature for a gooey interior and crisp exterior, ensuring air circulation for even crisping.
Use a mix of cream cheese for creaminess and shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Look for medium-sized jalapeños that have a firm, glossy skin. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating freshness and better structure when stuffed and baked.
Wrap stuffed jalapeños in partially cooked bacon for crispiness or add a panko and parmesan topping before baking for texture.
When roasting jalapeños, achieve an even char by rotating them frequently under a broiler or over a gas flame for a subtle smoky flavor.
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