When it comes to awesome party snacks, jalapeño poppers absolutely deserve a top spot in the hall of fame for appetizers. In this recipe, we stuff jalapeños with creamy cream cheese and tangy shredded pepper jack, then wrap them up snugly in smoky bacon (because everything tastes better with bacon, right?). Once they’re cooked, the cheese gets all gooey and melty while the peppers soften just enough, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Whip up these irresistible bites for your Super Bowl party, and trust us, they’ll vanish in a flash. Here’s what you need to do:
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 12 jalapeños
- 12 slices of bacon halved
Instructions
**For the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a big bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pepper jack, and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
- Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and veins. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, then wrap each one with a halved slice of bacon.
- Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake until the bacon turns crispy and the peppers become tender, which takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
**For the Air Fryer:**
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, pepper jack, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins with a spoon. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, then wrap them with a halved slice of bacon.
- Working in batches, place the jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F until the cheese is bubbly and the bacon is crispy, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Enjoy the spicy goodness!