This is a very special recipe to me for a number of reasons.
As many of you know, my dad and stepmom passed away very suddenly last June. It’s been a very difficult time for my family and me dealing with that grief and loss, but one way I like to remember him is to make some of the foods that remind me of him. He loved making these bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers for pretty much all parties or family gatherings, and they are generally gone within a few minutes.
Over the years, I’ve tried making different versions of these, sometimes trying to include additional ingredients, but at the end of the day, all you really need is: jalapeños, cream cheese and bacon.
This recipe goes pretty fast, especially if you own an air fryer. But even if you don’t, you can make these in the oven, as my dad did. Start by slicing the jalapeños in half and removing the seeds and ribs. (A pointy, serrated grapefruit spoon is my go-to tool for this job!)
Next, fill each jalapeño half with slightly softened cream cheese.
Once you have filled all of the peppers, wrap each one with a slice of thick-cut bacon. If you are using large jalapeños, go ahead and use a full strip for each one. If you used smaller jalapeños, you can cut each strip of bacon in half.
My dad traditionally made these in the oven, but I recently discovered that the air fryer cuts the cooking time by more than three quarters! If using an air fryer, pre-heat it to 375 degrees and cook the poppers in a single layer for 10-12 minutes. If using the oven, cook them for 45-60 minutes at 400 degrees or until the bacon is cooked and crispy!
Top with chopped cilantro and a few squeezes of fresh lime and serve! My dad had only recently started adding cilantro to these, so if you aren’t a fan or don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out and I promise they will still be absolutely irresistible!
These were my dad's go-to party recipe, and always a huge hit! He always made them in the oven, but I've discovered the air fryer makes for a super quick party snack. If using an air fryer, pre-heat to 375 degrees. If making in the oven, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove ribs and seeds. Using a small spatula or spoon, fill jalapeño halves with cream cheese. If using large jalapeños, wrap the entire pepper half with one slice of bacon, making sure ends are tucked underneath. (If using smaller jalapeños, cut each slice of bacon in half and wrap around filled peppers, tucking ends underneath.) Place prepared peppers in air fryer basket in a single layer (cream cheese side up) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until bacon is cooked through and crispy. If using an oven, place in an oven safe dish and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until bacon is cooked through and crispy. Allow to cool slightly and sprinkle with cilantro and fresh lime juice if using, and serve! Try using a pointed and serrated grapefruit spoon to clean the jalapeños!
Dad's Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon
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