Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat and prepare pan

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps bacon crisp).
2. 2

   Step 2: Prepare jalapeños

   Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and, using a small spoon, scrape out seeds and membranes (wear gloves if desired). Pat the pepper halves dry with paper towels and set them cut-side up on a plate.

   For this step

   • 6 countLarge jalapeños
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Make the cheesy filling

   In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and chopped chives until evenly combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   For this step

   • 8 ozCream cheese (full-fat)
   • 1 cupShredded sharp cheddar
   • 1 tspGarlic powder
   • 1/2 tspOnion powder
   • 1/2 tspSmoked paprika
   • 1/2 tspKosher salt
   • 2 tbspFresh chives, finely chopped
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Fill the jalapeños

   Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding slightly but avoiding overfilling so bacon can wrap cleanly. Place the filled halves on a tray while you prepare the bacon.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Wrap with bacon

   Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 12 strips. Wrap one bacon strip around each stuffed jalapeño half, securing with a toothpick if needed, and arrange them seam-side down on the prepared rack.

   For this step

   • 6 slicesBacon (regular-cut; slices to be halved)
   
6. 6

   Step 6: Bake until bubbly and crisp

   Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is cooked through and crisp and the filling is bubbly. If needed, broil 1–2 minutes to render and crisp the bacon—watch closely to prevent burning. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
   

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps bacon crisp).
2. Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and, using a small spoon, scrape out seeds and membranes (wear gloves if desired). Pat the pepper halves dry with paper towels and set them cut-side up on a plate.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and chopped chives until evenly combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding slightly but avoiding overfilling so bacon can wrap cleanly. Place the filled halves on a tray while you prepare the bacon.
5. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 12 strips. Wrap one bacon strip around each stuffed jalapeño half, securing with a toothpick if needed, and arrange them seam-side down on the prepared rack.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is cooked through and crisp and the filling is bubbly. If needed, broil 1–2 minutes to render and crisp the bacon—watch closely to prevent burning. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.