Keto Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
A crispy, spicy, low-carb appetizer perfect for any gathering.
Key Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 12 poppers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Keto, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- (Alternative: Air fryer can replace baking sheet)
Ingredients:
- 6 large jalapeños (halved lengthwise)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (240g)
- 6 slices thin-cut bacon, halved (sugar-free for keto)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option
- Turkey bacon for a lighter version
- Gouda or Colby Jack instead of cheddar
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
Wear gloves if sensitive to spice. - Mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and all seasonings in a bowl until well combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture.
Don’t overfill – leave slight room for melting. - Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with half a bacon slice.
Secure with a toothpick if needed. - Place on baking sheet, bacon-wrapped side up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and golden.
Check at 18 minutes for desired crispiness.
Crucial Tips:
- Use thin-cut bacon – thick cuts won’t crisp properly.
- Let cream cheese soften naturally for better mixing.
- Pat jalapeños dry after cleaning for better bacon adhesion.
- Position poppers bacon-side up for optimal crisping.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store uncooked assembled poppers for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Not recommended for freezing.
Scaling:
- Recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings.
- Maintain a single layer when baking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer if using.
Common Mistakes:
- Using cold cream cheese (leads to lumpy filling).
- Overstuffing peppers.
- Using thick-cut bacon.
- Not removing all seeds (too spicy).
Variations:
- Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce to cheese mixture.
- Mediterranean: Mix in dried herbs and feta.
- Smoky: Add smoked paprika and chipotle powder.
- Sweet & Spicy: Brush with sugar-free maple syrup before baking.
Remember: These keto jalapeño poppers are customizable to your heat preference – leave some membrane for extra spice or remove completely for a milder taste.
