Making jalapeño poppers at home is wonderfully simple and only requires THREE ingredients! This is the perfect crowd-pleasing, easy appetizer; whether you’re having a cookout, watching a game, or hosting a party, everyone will love these. 

Baking sheet covered in parchment paper with bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers fresh from the oven.

Years ago, I needed a very quick, impromptu, no-time-for-the-store appetizer and when I surveyed my fridge, I found a bag of jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon, among other things. I immediately knew I could whip up some jalapeno poppers and, much to my amazement, they were gobbled up and raved about, even from guests who claimed they didn’t like spicy anything.

If you’re looking for snacks that you can scale up and prepare easily (even ahead of time), these should be at the top of your list!

Only THREE Ingredients!

Baking sheet covered in parchment paper with halved jalapeno peppers, cream cheese, and bacon laid out on top.

The absolute best part about jalapeño poppers (other than how utterly delicious they are) is that they are ridiculously easy to make and super simple to scale for a party of 2 to a party of 50. Here is all you’ll need:

  • Jalapeno Peppers – The star of the show… whether you grow your own or buy them from the store, any traditional jalapeno peppers will work. 
  • Cream Cheese – I use block cream cheese for this and prefer the full-fat variety so that it doesn’t get watery. 
  • Bacon – Use your favorite brand, but I do not recommend thick cut, as it will just take too long to cook. 

Customization Options

There are so many ways to customize these jalapeno poppers, but here are a few ideas:

  • Chop bacon instead of wrapping – In lieu of wrapping each jalapeno in bacon, you could cook it separately until crisp, chop it up and mix it into the cream cheese.
  • Add shredded cheese – I love this cheesy addition! Use your favorite, but I really like sharp cheddar cheese, colby, or a Montery Jack blend here. You could also add grated Parmesan cheese (in the mixture or on top).
  • Add extra flavorings – I honestly don’t feel these need much extra pop, but you could finely chop green onions, chives, garlic, use garlic powder, cayenne, etc. and add them to the cream cheese mixture if you want to include additional flavors.
  • Add a crunchy topping – The bread crumb topping from my cajun mac and cheese recipe is my favorite! To use it here, combine ½ cup panko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle over the prepared jalapeno poppers before baking.

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers

These come together quickly and easily; here’s how!

Three jalapeno jalves on parchment paper - one empty, the next one filled with cream cheese, and the last one wrapped in bacon.

Step #1: Prep the Jalapenos – I recommend that you wear gloves to handle jalapeno peppers; there is nothing worse than getting the spicy oil on your hands and forgetting to not touch your eye 😅 Wearing your gloves, slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes (this keeps the dish mild instead of spicier).

Step #2: Stuff the Jalapenos – Spread the cream cheese inside of each jalapeno half.

Step #3: Wrap with Bacon – Wrap a slice of bacon around each jalapeno half, tucking in the end underneath the jalapeno. 

Step #4: Bake! – These are done in less than 30 minutes and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Side by side photos of bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers prepped on a baking sheet and after baking.

What to Serve with Jalapeno Poppers

While these poppers absolutely stand on their own taste and texture-wise, some people like to include a dipping sauce to go along with them. A few suggestions:

Jalapeno poppers arranged on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce on the side.

Can You Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! This is a great recipe to prepare the day before a party or cookout. 

Simply prepare the peppers and place in an airtight container, on a tray, or on the baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to bake. 

How to Store and Reheat

Storage – Place cooled jalapeno poppers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To Reheat in Oven – Place on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.

To Reheat in Air Fryer – Place the jalapeno poppers filling-side-up in the air fryer and heat at 375 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp.

I do not recommend reheating jalapeno poppers in the microwave, as they will become mushy.

Close up photo of baked jalapeno poppers on brown parchment sheet.

More Favorite Appetizer Recipes

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Jalapeño Poppers

Making jalapeño poppers at home is ridiculously easy and only requires THREE ingredients! A huge party hit!
4.55 (20 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 20 whole, fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
  • 16 ounces (453.59 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 pounds (907.18 g) bacon

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet OR line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Spread cream cheese in the cavity of each jalapeño half, then wrap with bacon (depending on the size of the jalapeño, you could use a whole piece of bacon, or half). Place on the wire rack or baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is done and crispy. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Notes

Nutritional values are based on one popper
Calories: 135kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 27mg, Sodium: 186mg, Potassium: 77mg, Vitamin A: 235IU, Vitamin C: 8.3mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

This recipe was originally published in January 2011.

Photography by Dee Frances