Description
Cowboy Jalapeño Poppers are a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any gathering. With a creamy, cheesy filling packed inside spicy jalapeño halves and topped with crispy bacon, they’re baked until golden and bubbling. Whether you’re hosting a game night or spicing up your weekend snacks, these poppers deliver the ultimate balance of heat, crunch, and rich flavor.
Ingredients
12 jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half.
5. Top with crumbled bacon and sprinkle breadcrumbs if using.
6. Arrange on the baking sheet and roast for 18–20 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are golden.
7. Serve hot with ranch or sour cream if desired.
Notes
Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin and eye irritation.
For a crispier finish, broil the poppers for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
You can swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for added flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, cowboy poppers, bacon stuffed jalapeños, game day snacks