Spicy Jalapeño Popper Bacon Egg Cups

1. Preheat Oven

First, preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Cook Bacon

While the oven is warming up, take out a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Lay the bacon slices in the skillet and cook them for about 4 minutes. You want the bacon to be starting to brown but still pliable, so it can crisp up properly when we bake it later. Once the bacon is partially cooked, transfer the slices to a paper towel−lined plate to absorb the excess fat.

3. Prepare Muffin Tin

Next, take your muffin tin and coat each of the six cups with a bit of butter. This will prevent sticking and add a nice flavor. Line the sides of each muffin cup with a slice of the partially cooked bacon, creating a cozy nest for our egg mixture.

4. Prepare Jalapeños

Start by preparing your jalapeños. Cut one jalapeño in half, remove the seeds, and mince it finely. For the other jalapeño, slice it into thin rings and set it aside for later.

5. Beat Eggs

In a medium bowl, crack the four eggs and beat them with a hand mixer until they are frothy and well combined. This step ensures that the eggs cook evenly and have a light, airy texture.

6. Combine Egg Mixture

Add the room temperature cream cheese to the beaten eggs, along with the minced jalapeño, a pinch of pink salt, and a good amount of freshly ground black pepper. Continue to mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

7. Fill Muffin Cups

Carefully pour the egg mixture into each bacon-lined muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds of the way. This allows room for the eggs to puff up as they cook. Sprinkle a bit of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of each cup, then place a jalapeño ring on top for a little extra kick.

8. Bake Egg Cups

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You'll know the egg cups are done when they are set and slightly golden on top. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove from the muffin tin.