Discover The Secret Ingredient that Puts Our Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Over the Top!
Experience the heavenly combination of spicy and savory with our Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon – the perfect appetizer for any occasion. But here’s the twist – can you guess the secret ingredient that takes this crowd-pleaser to the next level of deliciousness?
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Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a beloved appetizer that have made their way onto menus at parties and restaurants worldwide. These little bites pack a punch with their spicy jalapeno and savory bacon flavors, making them a fan favorite for those who love something a little more adventurous.
Originating in the southwestern United States, these poppers have a rich history dating back to the 1980s. They were first introduced as a stuffed jalapeno appetizer in Texas, where they were also known as “armadillo eggs.” The traditional recipe included breaded and deep-fried jalapenos stuffed with cheese and sausage, but as the recipe became more popular, people started experimenting with different ways of preparing them.
The bacon-wrapped version of the jalapeno popper quickly became a favorite due to its combination of smoky bacon and spicy jalapeno. The recipe is a simple one, with jalapenos sliced in half and filled with a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar cheese. The addition of garlic powder, paprika, and salt adds extra flavor to the filling.
The use of bacon to wrap the jalapenos creates a crispy and delicious outer layer. The bacon-wrapped poppers can be grilled, baked or fried, and are often served with a dipping sauce made from sour cream and chopped cilantro.
The popularity of bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers has led to creative variations on the original recipe, such as using other types of cheeses, adding diced onion or bell pepper to the filling, and even using different types of meat to wrap the jalapeno. This flexibility in the recipe has made it a favorite of many home cooks and chefs alike.
In conclusion, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers have a long and rich history in American cuisine. As a beloved appetizer, they have evolved from a simple stuffed jalapeno to a versatile dish with endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re cooking them at home or ordering them at a restaurant, they are sure to be a spicy and savory treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Wear Gloves
When handling jalapeños, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to prevent skin irritation and burning sensations. If you don’t have gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the peppers. Avoid touching your face or eyes while working with jalapeños.
Vary the Heat Level
The heat level of jalapeños can vary depending on the individual pepper, so taste a small piece of the pepper before cooking to gauge the heat level. If you prefer your poppers less spicy, you can remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat.
Soften the Cream Cheese Ahead of Time
Soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients, as it will blend more smoothly, and be easier to stuff inside the jalapeños. Letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes should do the trick.
Chill the Stuffed Jalapeños
Storing the stuffed jalapeños in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before wrapping them with bacon will help the cream cheese mixture firm up and hold its shape while cooking.
Crisp Up the Bacon
For crispier bacon, try arranging the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This will elevate the poppers and allow the bacon to cook more evenly. You may also broil the poppers for a minute or two after they have been baked to get that signature crispy bacon finish!
Remove Toothpicks Before Serving
Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving, as they can be a choking hazard. You may want to let the poppers cool for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks, as they can be hot to the touch.
How Many Calories are in Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers?
Nutrition Facts
6 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 56mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 11g
What Drinks Pair Best with Bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Poppers?
Wine pairing: A sparkling rosé is the perfect wine pairing for Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon. The effervescence of the wine cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and bacon, while the acidity of the wine balances the heat of the jalapeño.
Beer pairing: A crisp and refreshing American lager such as Budweiser or Miller Lite would pair well with the spicy and rich flavors of the jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon. The carbonation and mild flavor of the lager will balance out the richness of the cream cheese and the spiciness of the jalapenos.
Cocktail pairing: A good cocktail pairing for Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon would be a Margarita. Its tangy and citrusy flavor will balance the spiciness of jalapenos, while the tequila-based cocktail will complement the flavors of the bacon and cream cheese.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapeños
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 12 slices bacon
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until well blended.
- Stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing the bacon with a toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
