- 12 jalapeños
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 slices bacon
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and ribs.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap each jalapeño half in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the jalapeño poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
- If you want to make your jalapeño poppers extra spicy, leave some of the seeds and ribs in the peppers.
- For a smokier flavor, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy before wrapping it around the jalapeños.
- If you don't have any toothpicks, you can use kitchen skewers to secure the bacon around the jalapeños.
- Jalapeño poppers can be made ahead of time and assembled in the baking dish. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the poppers sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Jalapeño poppers with bacon are a delicious and satisfying appetizer that also offers some health benefits.
- Jalapeños are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. They also contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and have pain-relieving properties.
- Bacon is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. It also contains oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that is beneficial for heart health.
There are many ways to vary the jalapeño poppers recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Use different types of cheese. Instead of cheddar cheese, try using Monterey Jack cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, or even blue cheese.
- Add other vegetables. In addition to green onions, try adding other chopped vegetables to the cheese mixture, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
- Use different types of bacon. Instead of regular bacon, try using smoked bacon, maple bacon, or even candied bacon.
- Add a breading. For a crispier jalapeño popper, try dipping each jalapeño half in a beaten egg and then breading it in breadcrumbs before wrapping it in bacon.
- Make them spicy. If you want your jalapeño poppers to be extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
A single jalapeño popper with bacon typically contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 70
- Total fat: 4 grams
- Saturated fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
- Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 5% of the DV
- Calcium: 2% of the DV
- Iron: 3% of the DV
It is important to note that the nutrition value of jalapeño poppers with bacon can vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. For example, if you use full-fat cream cheese and bacon, the poppers will be higher in calories and fat. Additionally, if you add more cheese to the poppers, they will also be higher in calories and fat.
Overall, jalapeño poppers with bacon are a nutritious appetizer option. They are a good source of protein, vitamins A and C, and iron. However, it is important to be mindful of the portion size you consume, as the poppers can be high in calories and fat.
