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Home » Recipes

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeno Poppers from 100 Days of Real Food

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Some Texan friends (of friends) brought these little treats to a New Year’s Eve party, and I had to force myself to stop eating them so there would be enough for others! Even though I don't normally go for spicy dishes.

Apparently this appetizer is very much a “Texan thing,” and once I got home and “googled” it I realized I must be late to the party. Well I guess it’s better late than never so here’s our version of this recipe…just in time for those upcoming Superbowl parties!

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Here are a few more football and/or tailgate snack ideas:

  • The Best Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot
  • Potato Skins
  • Meatballs (with toothpicks & red dipping sauce)
  • Pimento Cheese (cold or hot)
  • Glazed Popcorn
  • Easy Cheesy Crackers
  • Pesto Cream Cheese Bake (and other apps)
  • Cheddar Garlic Biscuits
  • Slow Cooker Baked Beans
  • Chicken and Cheese Tostadas
football food

Ready to go in the oven...

Jalapeno Poppers from 100 Days of Real Food

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

I must be living under a rock because I just recently learned about jalapeno poppers that are wrapped in bacon instead of battered and deep-fried. This recipe is perfect for any party, gathering, BBQ, or football tailgating as an appetizer.
10 Reviews / 4.9 Average
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins
Course: Snacks & Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Method: Freezer Friendly
Diet: Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free
Print Recipe
Servings: 24 pieces
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jalapeños
  • 1 block cream cheese ((low fat version not recommended. You can do homemade pimento cheese instead; see note for recipe link))
  • 8 slices bacon (smoked, raw)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Slice each jalapeño down the middle and remove both the stem and the seeds. To remove the seeds you can either use a spoon or your finger. If desired, this step can be done while wearing latex gloves, but whatever you do don’t rub your eyes after handling the pepper seeds!
  • Cut the raw bacon in thirds using either a knife or culinary scissors.
  • Using a spoon, fill the jalapeño halves with cream cheese. It’s okay if it gets a little messy.
  • Wrap one small piece of bacon around each cream cheese-filled jalapeno with the bacon seam on the bottom.
  • Protect the baking sheet with a piece of foil and place a drying rack or other cooking rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet. Place the completed jalapeños on the rack so the bacon grease can drain onto the foil.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 – 25 minutes or until the bacon looks brown and crisp.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pimento cheese recipe - Homemade Pimento Cheese
  • Special equipment needed: Drying rack or other metal grate to put on top of baking sheet and aluminum foil to protect the pan.
  • Don’t be afraid to double this recipe for an extra big crowd.
  • We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Amount Per Serving
Calories 31 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 49mg2%
Potassium 15mg0%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 5IU0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

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44.0K shares

About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

Comments

  1. Judi says

    April 08, 2014 at 11:58 am

    I love these! We put a slice of grilled chicken and pepper jack cheese in ours though and wrap half slice bacon around. Grill it too. I will have to try it with the cream cheese!

    Reply
  2. Shari says

    November 01, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Great recipe. The jalepenos I used were a little big. I recommend the smaller ones. I took this to a block party.

    Reply
  3. Ashley says

    October 26, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Made these last night and couldn't stop eating them!!! So yummy!

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    September 18, 2013 at 9:07 am

    5 stars
    These are AMAZING grilled, but we highly recommend using something to catch the grease from the bacon and cheese, like foil or a grilling pan if you have one. But when you grill them, the outside of the pepper gets charred a teeny bit, and it's delicious!
    Thank you for sharing all your recipes! :) And lunch-packing tips, because us moms need all the help we can get!!

    Reply
  5. Ashley Haugh says

    September 17, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    Tastes AMAZING with sweet baby bell peppers too... yum

    Reply
  6. Tanya Johnson says

    September 17, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    Add a little crushed pineapple to cream cheese for a sweet and savory flavor. Where do you get organic cream cheese? And what is guar gum that I keep seeing in cream cheese?

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      September 19, 2013 at 8:43 am

      Hi Tonya. You can usually find at least one brand of organic cream cheese at most common grocery stores and certainly at health food stores. We do not typically get into the specifics of additives because we avoid all of them as much as possible but this article might answer your question: http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2013/07/truth-guar-gum.html. ~Amy

      Reply
  7. susan says

    July 22, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    I have made something like these... mine too took awhile before the bacon got crisp. My question is; do you think if I made these ahead of time, froze them, then took them camping... would they cook up on a camp fire? I'm gonna try it :)

    Reply
    • Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

      July 24, 2013 at 11:44 am

      Hello Susan. Let us know how they turn out! ~Amy

      Reply
  8. Mary says

    January 31, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    Question about the rack you cook them on - is this a special oven proof rack or can you use a non-stick cooling rack (all metal)?

    Reply
    • Mary says

      February 09, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      So I didn't end up using a rack and it still worked fine. The bacon wasn't very fatty and I had to cook mine about 10 minutes longer before the bacon crisped (maybe b/c I didn't use a rack??? I don't know). I think the extra cooking time made the peppers flatten out/collapse but they still tasted awesome!

      Reply
    • Lisa says

      March 21, 2013 at 1:38 pm

      Sorry for the delay in my response...I just used a cooling rack (pictured). I think it does help with a better outcome. Glad they still tasted good!

      Reply
    • Melissa says

      September 17, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      I use my broiling pan

      Reply
  9. Alyson Kendall says

    January 30, 2013 at 12:03 am

    These freeze great! I make a bunch up ahead of time and freeze them on a sheet tray. When frozen I throw them in a zip lock bag. Then I can just cook what I need. No need to defrost.

    Reply
  10. Kerri Mayo says

    January 27, 2013 at 11:32 pm

    We fix these all of the time during the summer on the grill! I like to add granulated garlic and worcestershire sauce to the cream cheese. They are to die for! Also, if you don't like them spicy, making sure to scrape the inside of them really well with a spoon and rinsing them with water helps.

    Reply
  11. Wendy says

    January 27, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    I think these would be so good stuffed with my new obsession ~cheese curds! YUM

    Reply
  12. Nancy says

    January 27, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    We make these on the grill in the summer. And I've also made jalapeno popper sandwiches that were soooo good! I chopped up some jalapenos and sauteed them, then mixed with softened cream cheese and bacon pieces. Then I spread it on bread and buttered the outside and grilled like you would a grilled cheese sandwich. Yummy!

    Reply
  13. KristyC says

    January 27, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    These are even better brushed with a little barbecue sauce!

    Reply
  14. JenGo says

    December 12, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    The meat market in our area calls them Cowboy Candy. They are wrapped with natural bacon. Can't get enough of them!!!! (I think you could stuff a shoe with cream cheese, wrap it in bacon and I'd eat it) ha

    Reply
  15. Vicky H says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    They actually have a name! They are called "ARMADILLO EGGS". I also was shared this recipe from a Texan, and she informed me that is what they're called. We leave the stems on to make them look like tails, lol. That is what she said to do. If you scoop ALL the ribs and seeds, it is kid friendly. You can use just mini sweet peppers for your kids if you're too scared. :)

    Reply
    • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says

      January 27, 2013 at 8:35 pm

      I'm from Texas and that's exactly what we call them! We do tend to leave the stem on, and we usually grill them, but I like to cut the very top end with the stem off, and eat them in two bites, starting with the stem end. The reason for this is because the stem end is hotter, and I like to end my bite with the less-hot end. ;)

      Reply
  16. Veronica B. says

    March 07, 2012 at 2:47 am

    Hi Lisa! I have been following your site for some time now! My husband and daughters are doing it too, and we all just love your recipes! I have a question though, where do you get your bacon? I just told my husband last week that we could no longer eat bacon because all of the ones I could find (I shop in Whole Foods) have been cured with sugar, either brown or raw. We were going to cure our own with honey... but before I go all the way there I would love to know where you got yours! Thanks!

    Reply
    • 100 Days of Real Food says

      March 07, 2012 at 3:51 pm

      We buy uncured bacon at either our Farmers' Market or EarthFare (Applegate Organic Brand)...good luck!

      Reply
      • Steph says

        October 04, 2013 at 12:38 pm

        I buy uncured bacon at Trader Joe's as well.

  17. Tammy says

    February 19, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    I made these last night & they were yummy. I have to make an appetizer tomorrow night & used all my jalepenos by I have 3 bell peppers (green, red and yellow) do u honk I could use then to make this?

    Reply
    • 100 Days of Real Food says

      February 27, 2012 at 7:44 am

      So glad it was a hit...and yes I think small pieces of bell pepper would work just fine.

      Reply
  18. christie says

    February 06, 2012 at 10:39 am

    WOW, were these easy and AMAZING. THANK YOU for the suggestion - totally awesome, eye-popping deliciousness!

    Reply
  19. Joye says

    February 05, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    I made these with fresno peppers and sweet peppers. They are my new favorite party food! So easy, cute, and delicious!

    Reply
  20. Jaymee says

    February 01, 2012 at 12:02 am

    :) I never knew the rest of the country didn't know about these things. Y'all have been missing out! I guess this is just one of the perks for being a Texas girl. We make ours pretty much the same except we leave the peppers whole and cook them on the grill. We have a homemade rack to stick the peppers in, so the filling doesn't run out. You can find the racks in stores down here, or you can get one online. You should look up a recipe for Texas Caviar. It requires some minor adjustments with the dressing(it typically calls for zesty italian, but its easy enough to make), but it is amazing!!

    Reply
  21. Insipred Flavors says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    YUM! I also recently did some experimenting with jalepeno poppers - adding smoked paprika to the bacon for an alternative.

    See the post and pictures here:
    http://tumblr.com/Za-JTwF8Ic0k

    Reply
  22. Robin says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    Next Up: Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich!

    P.S. You could also sub that cornstarch with the whole ground cornMEAL for the breading stage in version 2. I make a breading for my fried green tomatoes that is equal parts buttermilk, cornmeal, and flour and it sticks very well and works out just fine. I think the slight hint of corn flavor with the jalepenos would complement wonderfully.

    Reply
  23. Robin says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Here are two links for dairy-free vegan versions of the poppers. They are both breaded rather than wrapped in bacon, but they are baked/broiled rather than fried.

    The first: http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2011/02/vegan-jalapeno-poppers.html uses a soy cream cheese product, I think there is one made by Tofutti, and vegan "cheese".

    The second: http://cadryskitchen.com/2011/11/13/cashew-cheese-stuffed-jalapeno-poppers/ seems a bit more labor-intensive on an already labor-intensive dish, but uses no soy. It makes something called "cashew cheese" to stuff the peppers. It calls for cornstarch, but it is only for the dredging step and I don't see why that it couldn't be left out entirely or replaced with WW flour.

    These recipes reminded me that I also enjoy the chedder cheese stuffed version that is breaded. I think they could be baked just as well.

    Ahhhhh. Poppers and Super Bowl Sunday!

    Reply
  24. Robin says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    For the dairy free alternative, would silken tofu work maybe? Or possibly a little mayonaise mixed with corn or other veggies? Also, these can be made with the red serrano peppers too if you'd like to reduce the heat a little. I love these things too.

    Reply
  25. Katie says

    January 28, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    I love jalapeno poppers, and when I make them, I add a 4 oz can of diced green chilies, and a small jar of pimentos, both juices and all, to the cream cheese. Then I sprinkle a little bit of chili powder on top. Everyone loves them, and always requests that I make them.

    Reply
  26. Shannon says

    January 27, 2012 at 10:32 am

    I've never used cream cheese in mine... may have to try that! We use jack cheese and stuff the entire jalapeno with that and a medium sized shrimp, wrap it with bacon and grill it. We call it "Fire" and though it's a labor of love to make, boy is it always a huge hit!

    Reply
  27. Patricia says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:25 am

    is there a non-dairy alternative (we don't eat dairy) for the center that is good? I have never tried a faux cream cheese. Since it is a major part of the recipe with a creamy center seems like it wouldn't be as good without it. Any Ideas? :)

    Reply
    • 100 Days of Real Food says

      January 30, 2012 at 5:07 pm

      Hmmm...sounds like some put another kind of meat (like sausage) in the middle. Maybe something like grits? Not sure!

      Reply
  28. Kelsey says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    For another alternative, mix diced cooked bacon or chicken sausage for non-pork eaters and garlic powder into the cream cheese. Top with diced sundried tomatoes. You can also add mushrooms instead of bacon for a vegetarian version! If you want to turn up the heat, put all the seeds/insides into one bowl as you are deseeding, then dump out and use bowl (no rinsing!) to mix cream cheese. The oils from the insides stay in the bowl and really give it a kick!

    Reply
  29. dee says

    January 26, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Lisa, aren't these so fab?! YUM. I love them like this, I made a different version this fall. Froze enough for the holidays and still have a few lingering in my freezer. I cut jalepeno's in half, removed seeds, mixed smoked gouda, organic cream cheese, and crumbled crisped smoked bacon, dash garlic powder. Mixed together and filled each half with this, froze them on a cookie sheet and layered them in ziplocs with saran over each layer. To eat, just thaw a bit, then bake. We found ourselves squabbling over the last ones on the plate. Literally was cutting them so each of us got a last piece. ha ha Thank you for sharing this marvelous snack!!

    Reply
  30. Torey says

    January 26, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Try adding a little of your homemade ranch dressing spice mix to the cream cheese. That's what I do with mine, and they're heavenly.

    Reply
  31. jessica b says

    January 26, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    these are my favorite to make when we have company. i first heard about the pop'ems on an episode of aarti party on food network. she uses apples in her cream cheese mix. pop'ems are delish! i love all of the variations too. thanks for sharing! :)

    http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/bacon-apple-jalapeno-pop-ems-recipe/index.html

    Reply
  32. Grace says

    January 26, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Sounds good! I bet my family would love them. I might try turkey bacon, though.

    Reply
  33. Pam@behealthybehappywellness says

    January 26, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Totally trying this! We had a ton of jalapenos from the garden this summer and I froze most of them, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare them.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      February 19, 2012 at 9:06 pm

      I did this with frozen peppers, and it was perfect!

      Reply
  34. Tiffany Tamm says

    January 26, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    Another yummy way is to use pineapple cream cheese. The sweetness of the pineapple works great with the spicy jelepanos!

    Reply
  35. Whitni says

    January 26, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    I just came across your website and am so excited to start the 10 day pledge with my family. The only question I have is that you don't seem to use a lot of low-fat options. Why do you not recommend them in your recipes?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 26, 2012 at 10:09 pm

      I can't speak for Lisa, and I hope she does reply, but low-fat does not equate to "healthier". There are many studies out there that the nutrients you consume with animal fats are extremely good for you, particularly if you have a balanced diet that includes a lot of vegetables (esp. raw). There are also studies that show you eat less when you eat "real fat" items. In addition, when talking about diary items, the processing that they do to remove the fat and keep everything homogenous is detrimental to the product and how our bodies utilize it so those products are considered highly processed. Naturally, this is not well accepted, or even well known information because we have been told for years that low-fat is the way to go. I've even had my mom tell me that Twizzlers are healthy snacks because , "Look at the label, they don't have any fat!" (info taught to her via the Weight Watchers program.)

      Reply
    • Marie says

      January 26, 2012 at 10:12 pm

      Check out Michael Pollan's theories on food, one of the inspirations of this blog.

      Reply
    • 100 Days of Real Food says

      January 26, 2012 at 10:21 pm

      Here's the reasoning behind it (in line with what the others are saying): https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/15/mini-pledge-week-6-no-low-fat-lite-or-nonfat-food-products/

      Reply
  36. Jason says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:59 am

    These are good cooked on a smoker, which is how my uncle makes them. I may smoke then finish in the oven as sometimes the bacon doesn't get as crispy as I would like cooked only on the smoker.

    Reply
  37. Nichole says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:22 am

    For those who do not like the heat of the jalepenos, you can try the pepperoncini peppers (in the jar - just rinse) or instead of cream cheese, use a piece of chicken breast to make it more filling. Delicious!

    Reply
  38. KristyC says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:09 am

    These are delicious. I usually mix in some grated cheddar cheese with the cream cheese. Even better - brush them with a little BBQ sauce (of course, this assumes you have have good "real food" BBQ sauce, which I don't unfortunately.)

    Reply
    • kelly says

      August 24, 2012 at 7:55 pm

      http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-bbq-sauce/ would this work?

      Reply
      • Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says

        September 07, 2012 at 10:10 pm

        Hi Kelly. I might just substitute something else for the molasses. Otherwise looks ok. Jill

  39. Allie says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I have made these a million times but I have always used turkey bacon!

    Reply
    • Sara says

      January 26, 2012 at 3:15 pm

      I was just wondering if turkey bacon would be good because I don't eat pork. Thanks!

      Reply
      • 100 Days of Real Food says

        January 26, 2012 at 10:01 pm

        I think that would work just fine!

  40. Alyssa says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:50 am

    I just recently had a version of these, only instead of being stuffed with cream cheese, they were stuffed with spicy Italian sausage! They were amazing!! This recipe sounds awesome too. Gluten free too! :)

    Reply
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