Impress Your Guests with Tastefully Simple Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe!
The Tastefully Simple Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next party. The combination of spicy jalapeños and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. And, there’s a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level – but you’ll have to try it to find out!
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Bacon Jalapeño Poppers have become a staple appetizer, and for a good reason. The combination of spicy jalapeños with the creamy, cheesy filling and the smoky bacon creates a flavor explosion that everyone loves. While this recipe has gained popularity in recent years, the concept of stuffing jalapeños dates back to the early 1900s.
The use of jalapeños can be traced back to Mexico, where they were commonly used in traditional dishes, such as chiles en nogada. However, it was in the United States where the idea of stuffing jalapeños and wrapping them with bacon originated.
It is speculated that the emergence of this recipe can be attributed to the popularity of the BBQ culture in the Southern States of the US. Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers first appeared in competitions, where tailgaters would show off their grilling skills. Soon after, the recipe made its way into many cookbooks, and it has become a staple in American cuisine.
The recipe for Bacon Jalapeño Poppers has evolved over time. The original version consisted of cream cheese and cheddar cheese mixture with jalapeños. Today, there are countless variations of this recipe, such as adding different types of cheese, meats, or even seafood.
So the next time you’re craving something spicy and savory, give this easy-to-follow Bacon Jalapeño Poppers recipe a try. It’s a perfect appetizer for any occasion, from backyard BBQs to holiday parties. Enjoy the flavorful history and simplicity of this delicious treat!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Choose the Right Jalapeños
When selecting jalapeños, choose ones that are firm, glossy, and free of soft spots. If you prefer less heat, look for jalapeños with fewer striations.
Wear Gloves When Handling Jalapeños
Jalapeños can be spicy and cause a burning sensation on your skin. Wearing gloves, using a spoon to remove the seeds, and avoiding touching your face or eyes can help reduce the risk of irritation.
Soften the Cream Cheese
Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature or briefly soften it in the microwave for easy mixing.
Use Good Quality Bacon
For the best texture and flavor, choose high-quality bacon that’s not too fatty.
Secure the Bacon with Toothpicks
It’s important to securely wrap the bacon around the pepper. Toothpicks can be used to hold everything in place and prevent the bacon from unraveling during the baking process. Be sure to remove the toothpicks from the completed dish before serving.
Adjust the Baking Time
Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the baking time. Watch the poppers closely towards the end of the cooking time to make sure the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness.
Variations on the Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding other ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, like minced garlic, chives, or grated cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with using different types of peppers, like poblanos or sweet mini peppers.
Serve with Dipping Sauce
Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are often served with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or sour cream. Consider trying different sauces and making extra for dipping. Also, consider serving with a refreshing drink, like a sweet tea or a cold beer.
How Many Calories are in Bacon Jalapeño Poppers?
Nutrition Facts
8 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 218
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
- Sodium: 371mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 9g
What Drinks Pair Best with Bacon Jalapeño Poppers?
Wine pairing: A good wine pairing for this spicy and cheesy appetizer would be a dry Riesling or a Pinot Noir. The sweetness and acidity of a dry Riesling will balance the heat of the jalapeños while enhancing the flavors of the cheese. Alternatively, a light and fruity Pinot Noir will complement the richness of the bacon and cheese while providing a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the jalapeños.
Beer pairing: A crisp and refreshing India Pale Ale (IPA) would pair well with these spicy and savory Tastefully Simple Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. The hops and bitterness in the IPA will cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon, while also complementing the heat from the jalapeños.
Cocktail pairing: A Margarita would be a great pairing for this recipe, as the heat from the jalapeños is balanced with the refreshing tartness of the cocktail.
How to Make Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 8 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 slices of bacon
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half.
- Wrap each jalapeño half with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Remove the toothpicks and enjoy your Tastefully Simple Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers!
