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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites

Bacon jalapeño popper bites are a classic jalapeño popper recipe baked until the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese filling bubbles. Golden, bacon-wrapped jalapeño halves ooze melted cheddar and cream cheese with a light char on the edges.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Jalapeños and filling
  • 12 jalapeños halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Bacon and optional drizzle
  • 12 strips thin-cut bacon halved crosswise
  • 1 honey for drizzling (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and bake
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
  2. Mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
  3. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  4. Wrap each filled jalapeño half tightly with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  5. Arrange on the wire rack and bake for 18–22 minutes, until bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbling.
  6. Drizzle with honey if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For the cleanest filling, keep the cream cheese softened so it spreads smoothly into the jalapeño cavities. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container; reheat on the sheet pan at 375°F until warmed and the bacon crisps again. Freezing is not recommended because the jalapeño can turn softer after thawing. If you want a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce the cheddar slightly.