3-Ingredient Bacon Jalapeños are your new go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing appetizers that disappear in minutes. With just three ingredients—fresh jalapeños, creamy cheese, and sizzling bacon—you’ll have the perfect balance of heat, richness, and crispy bite in every single popper.
Whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together, throwing a backyard bash, or simply craving a savory snack, these poppers come together fast and cook up even faster in the oven or air fryer. Even better, they’re naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and incredibly easy to prep ahead.
Fun fact: Jalapeño poppers first gained popularity in Texas during the 1980s and have since become a staple at BBQs and parties across the country. Their irresistible combination of spicy and creamy has made them a modern classic—with good reason!
Serve them with your favorite dip or just as they are—because sometimes, simple really is best. So grab your jalapeños and let’s get poppin’!
Recipe Yield: 12 poppers (serves 4–6)
INGREDIENTS
6 jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
6 oz cream cheese, softened
12 slices thin-cut bacon
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep the jalapeños:
Preheat your oven to 400°F or preheat air fryer to 375°F. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon for a milder bite.
2. Stuff with cream cheese:
Fill each jalapeño half generously with softened cream cheese, smoothing the top for even filling.
3. Wrap with bacon:
Wrap each cream cheese–filled jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping as you go. Tuck the ends underneath or secure with a toothpick if needed.
4. Bake or air-fry to perfection:
Place on a foil-lined baking sheet fitted with a wire rack (or in air fryer basket).
For oven: Bake 18–22 minutes, until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender.
For air fryer: Cook 10–12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes for crispness.
5. Cool and serve:
Let poppers rest for 5 min before serving. They’ll crisp as they cool!
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Choose Thin-Cut Bacon – It crisps faster and wraps tightly, preventing sogginess. Thick-cut takes longer and may stay chewy.
- Use Gloves When Handling Jalapeños – This protects your hands from lingering spice and keeps the cream cheese clean and easy to spread.
- Try Air-Frying for Extra Crispiness – The air fryer gives you the crispiest bacon with zero flipping—plus it’s faster and cleanup’s easier.
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