Baked Jalapeño Poppers

Name: Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese and Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 20 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 jalapeño peppers; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; BBQ dry rub, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup bacon bits; Ranch dressing, for serving

Baked jalapeño poppers stuffed with softened cream cheese, seasoned with BBQ dry rub, and topped with melted cheddar and bacon bits. They deliver a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors in an easy low-carb appetizer.

🌍American 🏷️Jalapeño poppers 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Game-day 🏷️Snack Low-carb

🏷️

🏷️Keto

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TikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

20

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

10 jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
BBQ dry rub, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup bacon bits
Ranch dressing, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, keeping the stems intact.
3
Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out the seeds and membranes. For spicier poppers, you can leave some seeds in.
4
Stuff each jalapeño half with softened cream cheese.
5
Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6
Generously season the cream cheese filling with your favorite BBQ dry rub.
7
Top each popper with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
8
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops are golden brown and crispy.
9
Let cool slightly before serving, optionally with ranch dressing for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Soften cream cheese to room temperature before stuffing so it fills the peppers evenly without tearing them.
Pat jalapeños dry after halving and seeding to prevent excess moisture that can make the filling watery during baking.
Apply the BBQ rub directly to the cream cheese filling before topping with cheese for maximum smoky flavor penetration.
Don't overbake; watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly at the edges, which signals perfect doneness without dry peppers.

Substitutions

BBQ dry rub → smoked paprika + garlic powder + brown sugar (DIY smoky seasoning)
Cheddar cheese → pepper jack (for extra heat) or gruyere (for richer flavor)
Bacon bits → crispy diced pancetta or crushed pork rinds (adds texture and salt)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can you make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed poppers up to 24 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

How do you know when jalapeño poppers are done baking?

They're ready when the peppers are tender, the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges, and the tops are lightly browned, typically 15-20 minutes at 375°F.