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TAILGATE CLASSIC
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Sharp Cheddar
★★★★★
5.0 (360)|(2 Reviews)Fresh jalapeño pepper halves stuffed with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and scallions, wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until sizzling.
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By Nick Evans (Senior Culinary Producer)•Published July 31, 2026
⏱ 40 mins
Simply Recipes / Nick Evans🔥 220 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- Bacon stays crisp while the rich cheese center stays molten.
- Customizable spice level: remove all seeds and ribs for mild poppers.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake right before kickoff.
TAILGATE CLASSIC
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Sharp Cheddar
The quintessential spicy finger food for tailgates, cookouts, and Sunday games. Baking softens the jalapeños and tames their heat, while the creamy cheese and smoky bacon provide savory bliss.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings8 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 12 medium fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs scraped out
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder & 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt & black pepper
- 12 slices center-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise (24 short slices)
- Toothpicks for securing (optional)
Directions
1
Prep jalapeños
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wearing gloves, slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds and pale ribs with a spoon.
2
Mix cheese stuffing
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until uniform.
3
Stuff and wrap
Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture. Wrap a half-slice of bacon snugly around each pepper, tucking the ends underneath.
4
Bake on rack
Place poppers on an oven-safe wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 22–25 minutes until bacon is browned and crispy. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Always wear food prep gloves when handling and deseeding fresh jalapeño peppers.
- Baking on a wire rack lets excess bacon fat drip away, keeping the bacon extra crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories220 kcal
Protein8g
Carbs3g
Total Fat20g
Sodium: 380mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
S
Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
D
David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
