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Flavorful Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

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These smoky BBQ bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a quick and easy crowd-pleaser perfect for summer BBQs and parties, combining creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh medium-sized jalapeños, halved and seeded
  • 6 thick-cut bacon strips, cut in half
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions for filling
  • Optional: crispy fried onions for topping
  • Optional: smoked gouda instead of cheddar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half strip of bacon, starting at the base and spiraling up. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Place seam side down on the wire rack.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes if bacon needs extra crisping, watching carefully.
  7. Let poppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped green onions or crispy fried onions.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon to minimize shrinkage and ensure crispiness. Removing seeds and membranes controls heat level. Baking on a wire rack allows even crisping. Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add extra baking time if chilled. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, smoky BBQ, appetizer, party snack, summer BBQ, spicy, creamy, easy recipe

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/flavorful-smoky-bbq-bacon-wrapped-jalape-n-o-poppers-recipe-for-july-4th-party/