Name: Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 medium (1 lb.) jalapeno peppers, halved; 7 oz. cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 6 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped, divided; 3 1/2 Tbsp thinly sliced green onions, divided; 2 1/2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro; 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/4 tsp (heaping) chili powder; 2 tsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 31 reviews

If you love finger foods that pack a punch, I have to share my absolute favorite **Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe** that’s sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike. These poppers are a delightful blend of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of jalapeno heat — baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Creamy cheese and smoky bacon mellow the jalapeno’s heat beautifully without overpowering it.
Simple Prep & Quick Bake: It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish — perfect for game days or quick appetizers.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak cheese blends, spice levels, or toppings to suit your personal taste.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These poppers disappear fast whenever I bring them to parties or family dinners.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese, jalapeno poppers, bacon stuffed jalapenos, spicy appetizer recipes, easy party snacks - A white oval plate holds about twenty stuffed jalapeño halves arranged closely but not overlapping, on top of a white marbled surface with a red cloth underneath the plate edge. Each jalapeño has a green outer skin and is filled with a creamy white mixture, topped with a golden brown crumb layer. Small red bits of bacon are sprinkled on top along with finely chopped green herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The crumb topping looks crunchy and lightly toasted, covering most of the filling but leaving some creamy parts visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love sharing recipes that come together with a handful of accessible ingredients that do exactly what you want them to. Each element in this Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe plays a key role—from that cream cheese base for richness to crispy panko crumbs on top for texture. Here’s what makes them so magical:

Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese, jalapeno poppers, bacon stuffed jalapenos, spicy appetizer recipes, easy party snacks - Flat lay of fresh halved jalapeno peppers with seeds removed, a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, six cooked and finely chopped bacon slices arranged neatly, a few sprigs of bright green thinly sliced green onions, a small white bowl of finely chopped fresh cilantro, one fresh garlic clove minced, a pinch of coarse salt and whole black peppercorns scattered for visual texture, a small white bowl with panko bread crumbs, a small white bowl with chili powder, and a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, all ingredients displayed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jalapeno Peppers: They deliver the essential spicy kick; pick medium-sized ones for stuffability and balanced heat.
Cream Cheese: Provides smooth, creamy richness that tames the jalapeno heat and binds everything.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, buttery flavor that complements the bacon without competition.
Bacon: Adds smoky, savory crunch and depth — using half inside the filling and half for garnish really layers that flavor.
Green Onions & Cilantro: Freshness and subtle herbal notes brighten the poppers and add complexity.
Garlic: A touch of warmth to tie all the flavors together.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Their light, crisp texture finishes the poppers with a satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy filling.
Chili Powder & Olive Oil: Infuse the topping with a hint of smoky spice and help it brown nicely.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is how you can play around with it. Sometimes I swap Monterey Jack for sharp cheddar for extra tang, or use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s half the fun!

Variation: I once made these with a bit of smoked gouda mixed into the filling—oh boy, that smoky richness took them to another level.
Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of heat, remove all the seeds and membranes completely; for brave souls, leave a few in for extra bite.
Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for crispy fried shallots or smoked paprika for that smoky punch without meat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Jalapenos Carefully

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Put on food-grade gloves if your hands are sensitive—these peppers can be sneaky! Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and then carefully scrape out the seeds and ribs. I prefer using my thumb—it’s faster and I feel more in control, but a paring knife works too if you’re gentle. Be sure not to cut through the bottom to keep the filling from leaking out.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling

Grab a medium bowl and combine softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, about two-thirds of the finely chopped cooked bacon, green onions, cilantro, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. I like to use a spoon to stir everything until it’s evenly mixed and super creamy—you want that cheese to lovingly coat every bit of the filling.

Step 3: Stuff and Top the Jalapenos

Spoon the creamy mixture into each jalapeno half, piling it just a little higher than the edges—don’t be shy! In a separate bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with chili powder, a pinch of salt, and olive oil until coated—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Sprinkle this evenly over the filled peppers.

Step 4: Bake and Garnish

Bake the poppers for about 14 to 18 minutes in your preheated oven. You’re looking for tender jalapenos with melted, bubbly cheese and golden breadcrumbs on top. When it’s done and smells irresistible, take them out and sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon and green onions over the top. Serve warm and watch them vanish!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Glove Up When Handling Jalapenos: This helps avoid accidental skin burning and eye irritation—trust me, you don’t want to skip this.
Don’t Overstuff: Filling the peppers too much can cause the cheese to spill out while baking and burn on the pan.
Use Thin-Sliced Bacon: It crisps better and mixes more evenly with the cheese for flavor bursts in every bite.
Watch Your Oven Timing: Baking longer than 18 minutes may dry out the jalapenos; start checking around 14 minutes for that perfect tender-crisp texture.

How to Serve Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese, jalapeno poppers, bacon stuffed jalapenos, spicy appetizer recipes, easy party snacks - The dish shows many green jalapeño pepper halves filled with creamy white cheese mixed with herbs, topped with a golden brown crispy breadcrumb layer. Small bits of reddish-brown bacon and finely chopped green chives are sprinkled on top of each pepper. The peppers are arranged in a slightly scattered way on a large white plate, all lying flat with the filling side up. The background is a white marbled surface. The colors are fresh green, white, golden brown, and red with a crispy texture on the topping photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these poppers with freshly chopped green onions for a little color and subtle onion crunch, plus the leftover crispy bacon bits for extra texture. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side helps cool down the heat, which guests often appreciate.

Side Dishes

These poppers go great alongside simple sides like a crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some lightly seasoned tortilla chips. For game day, I like pairing them with guacamole or salsa, so you can mix and match bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these poppers on a pretty wooden board with colorful dippers like ranch and chipotle aioli in small bowls. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs as decoration brings a festive vibe that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling the poppers to room temperature, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge. They stay delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or reheating between meals.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover poppers before by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together, and you can take out just what you need. They keep well frozen for 1-2 months.

Reheating

To warm up leftover poppers, pop them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes—it keeps the breadcrumbs crispy and the filling melty. I avoid microwaving because it makes the bacon chewy and the panko soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the jalapenos earlier in the day, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add the panko topping right before baking for best crunch.
What if I don’t like spicy food but want to try this recipe?

You can remove all the seeds and ribs inside the jalapenos—they contain most of the heat—to tone down the spice. Alternatively, try using mild green bell peppers as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor will be different.
Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While Monterey Jack melts smoothly and has a mild flavor, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even mozzarella all work well depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
Do I have to cook the bacon before mixing it in?

Yes, precooking the bacon is important to achieve that crisp smoky flavor and to avoid excess fat in the filling. Cook it until crispy, then chop finely.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon and Cheese Recipe has become my go-to appetizer whenever I want to impress without stress. The creamy, smoky, spicy combo just hits all the right notes, and it’s so fun to make and share with loved ones. I hope you enjoy whipping these up as much as I do — don’t forget to grab your gloves and get ready for some seriously tasty snacking!