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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites

Bacon jalapeño popper bites are oven-baked, bacon-wrapped jalapeño halves stuffed with a melted cream cheese and cheddar filling. Expect bubbling, cheesy centers with crispy edges and a lightly smoky kick from smoked paprika.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Jalapeños
  • 12 jalapeños Halved lengthwise and seeded.
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Shredded.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Bacon
  • 12 thin-cut bacon Halved crosswise.
Optional Drizzle
  • 1 honey For drizzling, optional.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack so the bacon can crisp without sitting in grease.
  2. Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and seed them, leaving the cut sides ready for filling.
Make the filling
  1. Mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble popper bites
  1. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  2. Wrap each filled jalapeño half tightly with a half-strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
  3. Arrange the jalapeño poppers on the wire rack with the bacon seam side down when possible for more even browning.
Bake
  1. Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbling with a hint of char on the edges.
Serve
  1. Drizzle with honey if desired, then serve hot while the cheese is molten.

Notes

For the crispiest bacon, keep the poppers spaced on the wire rack so air circulates. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat on a rack in a 375°F oven until hot. Freezing is not recommended because the jalapeños and cheese can release water when thawed. For a lower-fat option, use turkey bacon while keeping the filling the same for a similar popper bite experience.