Bacon and spice is a perfect combo if you ask us, and it all comes to life in this stuffed jalapeños with bacon recipe. It makes a great appetizer before the big game or at a barbecue party. The ingredients are simple, but the taste is out-of-this-world good. And add points, too, for presentation – the jalapeños just look delicious plated with sauce. These’ll be on your short list for parties for sure.
If you like things a little spicier, opt for not boiling the jalapeño peppers prior to cooking. This will keep more of the pepper’s heat intact, as well as increase the overall crispness of the jalapeño. Or you could opt to add some extra heat through the dipping sauce. For instance, this Sriracha ranch dressing adds a nice touch of spiciness.
Jalapeños are by far the best chili to use here, as they are a perfect size with enough cavity to handle stuffing. But you do have other options. Fresno chilies (similarly shaped to jalapeños, similar heat, a touch sweeter) are excellent options. And serranos can work if you’re looking for a hotter chili, but their slimmer profile means less cavity for stuffing.
See it being made:
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Stuffed Jalapeños With Bacon
Ingredients
- 20 jalapeño peppers halved, seeds removed
- 1 package cream cheese 8-ounce package
- 1 bag shredded pepper jack cheese 8-ounce bag
- 2 packages bacon 12-ounce to 16-ounce
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Soak the toothpicks in water for 30 minutes prior to cooking. This is to prevent the toothpicks from burning while in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and pepper jack cheese. Thoroughly mix.
- Boil the jalapeño halves for 2 minutes in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. They should soften, yet still feel slightly firm. Remove from heat and strain out the water.
- Stuff each jalapeño half with about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture, and then wrap the jalapeño with a bacon slice. Secure the bacon in place with a damp toothpick.
- Bake in the oven until the bacon is the perfect shade of brown (5 to 10 minutes).
Notes
For a spicier side, do not boil the chili halves. Stuff them raw and bake. This will increase the overall heat and crispness of the jalapeños.
I do something like this with aerosol cheese. Hollow out the jalapeno and squirt the cheese into the jalapeno. Then wrap the jalapeno and fix it with a toothpick. About half an hour in a 350 degree F oven.
There’s a whole lot to love with this!