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four bacon filled jalapeno poppers on a brown plate next to a bowl of fresh jalapenos and a block of cheddar cheese.
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5 from 2 votes

Small Batch Jalapeno Poppers

This small batch jalapeno poppers recipe features spicy jalapenos filled with a creamy cheese and bacon mixture, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: bacon filled jalapenos, cinco de mayo, jalapeno poppers, jalapenos
Servings: 4 poppers
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 slices bacon -cooked and crumbled or use 4 teaspoons of real bacon bits.
  • 2 jalapeño peppers -approximately 3 inches long or use 3 small jalapeños
  • ½ tablespoon butter -melted
  • 2 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in the cooked bacon.
  • Prepare the Jalapeños: Remove the stems (optional) and slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes.
    Pro Tip: The seeds and membranes hold the heat. Remove them completely for mild poppers, or leave some for extra spice.
  • Fill the Peppers: Spoon the cheese and bacon mixture into each jalapeño half.
  • Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the mixture over the tops of the filled peppers.
  • Bake: Arrange the peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Prepare Ahead: Read through the recipe and gather all ingredients before starting. This recipe comes together quickly, so having everything ready is helpful.
  • Protect Your Hands: Wear gloves or use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes to avoid burning your hands while handling jalapeños.
  • Choose Uniform Peppers: Select large, firm jalapeños of similar size for even cooking. Avoid wrinkly or dull peppers.
  • Adjust the Spice: For extra heat, leave some seeds in the peppers. Removing all seeds, as the recipe suggests, results in a milder flavor.
  • Let Them Cool: Allow the poppers to cool for a few minutes before eating. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.

Nutrition

Serving: 1jalapeno popper | Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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