Jalapeño Poppers

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
4. Wrap each filled jalapeño with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
5. Place the poppers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving—they’ll be very hot inside.

Variations

• Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier filling.
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture for extra heat.
• Mix chopped green onions or cooked sausage into the filling.
• Swap bacon for prosciutto for a thinner, crispier wrap.

Tips

• Wear gloves when seeding jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
• For extra caramelization, brush the bacon with a light coating of brown sugar before baking.
• Bake on a wire rack set over the sheet pan for crispier bacon all around.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.