Jalapeño poppers are one of the easiest, most satisfying party apps. In this recipe, cream cheese and shredded Pepper Jack are stuffed in the jalapeños before being wrapped in bacon (because everything is better with bacon). When cooked, the cheese gets hot and melty while the peppers mellow slightly, making it a perfect combo. The best part? This easy app is gluten-free and keto friendly, so you can satisfy a wide array of party guests!
Here are a few tips to help you execute this easy app:
Do I have to add the bacon?
Nope! Obviously we love bacon with everything, but if you’ve got vegetarian guests, you can totally skip it—they’ll still taste amazing.
Can I make jalapeño poppers in the air fryer?
Yes! These poppers are delicious in the oven or the air fryer, and we’ve included instructions for both in the recipe. The air fryer will cut your cooking time in half, but you’ll need to bake them in batches to ensure you’re cooking in single layers! If you’re making it in the oven, bake on a rack set inside a sheet tray or use small wads of foil to keep the poppers stable while baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
If you want to make these ahead of your next party, prepare the filling and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also halve the jalapeños and take out the ribs and seeds beforehand. To take early prep a step further, freeze after assembly: Freeze the assembled poppers in a single layer on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper for 4-6 hours. Then transfer them to a plastic freezer bag to save space.
Looking for more? Try our Jalapeño Popper Dip for a delicious dippable version, or our Jalapeño Popper Crisps for the easiest, tastiest snack.
Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!