Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

The Ultimate Low-Carb Party Snack

If you are looking for the perfect crowd-pleaser that fits your lifestyle, these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a total game-changer. I remember the first time I made these for a weekend gathering; they disappeared from the platter in minutes! They hit that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and salty without any of the extra carbs. Whether you are hosting a game day or just want a savory treat, this recipe is my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying snack.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

These aren’t just any appetizers; they are a staple for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. By using fresh peppers and high-quality bacon, you create a high-fat, low-carb treat that keeps everyone happy.

Ingredients

• 16.0 fresh jalapenos (approx. 16.0 oz / 450g)
• 16.0 strips of bacon (approx. 12.0 oz / 340g)
• 0.25 cups (28g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4.0 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1.0 tsp (6g) salt
• 1.0 tsp (2g) paprika

Clear Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire cooling rack over a baking tray to ensure the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.
2. Slice each of the 16.0 jalapenos in half lengthwise, then use a small spoon to carefully scrape out the stems, seeds, and the spicy inner white membranes.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the 4.0 oz (113g) of softened cream cheese and 0.25 cups (28g) of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth.
4. Fill each prepared jalapeno half with approximately 0.5 tbsp (7.5g) of the cheese blend, smoothing the top so it is flush with the edges of the pepper.
5. Slice each of the 16.0 bacon strips in half crosswise to create 32.0 shorter pieces.
6. Wrap one half-strip of bacon tightly around each stuffed jalapeno half, ensuring the seam of the bacon is tucked underneath to prevent it from unrolling during the bake.
7. Arrange the poppers in a single layer on your prepared baking dish, leaving at least 0.5 inches (1.27cm) of space between each one for proper heat circulation.
8. Bake for 20.0 to 25.0 minutes in the center of the oven until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness and the peppers have softened.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the 1.0 tsp (6g) of salt and 1.0 tsp (2g) of paprika evenly over the poppers while the bacon fat is still rendered and hot to ensure the seasoning sticks.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Popper)

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Total Carbs: 1.2g
• Net Carbs: 1.0g
• Protein: 4.5g
• Fat: 8.2g

Pro Tips for the Perfect Poppers

• Room Temperature Cheese: Always ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. This prevents “cheese lumps” and allows for a smooth, professional-grade filling that spreads easily into the jalapeno cavities.
• The Glove Rule: When handling and seeding 16 fresh jalapenos, wear disposable food-prep gloves. The capsaicin oil can stay on your skin for hours, and you definitely want to avoid touching your eyes after prepping this recipe.
• Crisping Secret: For the ultimate crunch, place a wire cooling rack on top of your baking sheet and set the poppers on the rack. This allows hot air to circulate under the bacon, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
• Pre-Cook the Bacon (Optional): If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, par-cook the bacon strips in the microwave for about 60 seconds before wrapping the peppers. This gives the bacon a head start since it often takes longer to crisp than the peppers take to soften.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the stuffed and wrapped peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake them fresh when your guests arrive. You may need to add 2–3 minutes to the baking time if they are going straight from the fridge to the oven.

How do I make the jalapeno poppers less spicy? Most of the heat in a jalapeno is stored in the seeds and the white inner membranes (the pith). To keep them mild, use a small spoon to scrape every bit of the white pith out of the pepper. For even milder poppers, you can soak the cleaned pepper halves in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing them.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers? To maintain the texture of the bacon, avoid the microwave. Instead, reheat leftovers in an air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–5 minutes or in a conventional oven until the cheese is bubbly and the bacon is crisp again.

Can I use an Air Fryer for this recipe? Absolutely! To make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in an air fryer, cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket so the air can circulate freely.

Conclusion

I truly hope these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers become a new favorite in your kitchen. This easy keto recipe is more than just a low carb snack; it’s a versatile baked jalapeno popper dish that works for everything from game day appetizers to a simple gluten-free snack. Using these keto appetizers as your primary healthy party food ensures that everyone, regardless of their diet, can enjoy a delicious, bacon wrapped snack. Give this recipe a try this weekend, and don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know how yours turned out!