Are you looking for a delicious and spicy appetizer to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese. This mouth-watering dish is sure to be a hit with your guests, and with our easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be able to make it like a pro.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this tasty appetizer. Here’s a list of the ingredients and supplies you’ll require:
- 12-15 large jalapeno peppers
- 1 block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 oven
Preparing the Jalapenos
The first step in making bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese is to prepare the jalapenos. You’ll need to cut off the stems and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. This will help to reduce the heat of the peppers and make them easier to stuff.
To scoop out the seeds and membranes, you can use a small spoon or a specialized tool called a jalapeno corer. If you don’t have a jalapeno corer, you can also use a paring knife to carefully cut out the seeds and membranes.
Once you’ve scooped out the seeds and membranes, rinse the jalapenos under cold water to remove any remaining seeds or spiciness.
Tips for Working with Jalapenos
When working with jalapenos, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to protect your skin from the oils in the peppers. These oils can cause irritation and burning, so it’s best to take precautions.
You should also avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas after handling jalapenos, as the oils can cause irritation.
Preparing the Filling
Now that the jalapenos are prepared, it’s time to make the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Tips for Making the Filling
When making the filling, be sure to use softened cream cheese. This will make it easier to mix the ingredients together and ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy.
You can also customize the filling to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced onions or diced bell peppers.
Stuffing the Jalapenos
Now that the filling is prepared, it’s time to stuff the jalapenos. Using a small spoon, fill each jalapeno pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to fill the peppers as full as possible, but avoid overfilling them.
Tips for Stuffing the Jalapenos
When stuffing the jalapenos, be sure to handle them gently to avoid damaging the peppers. You should also avoid overfilling the peppers, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
Wrapping the Jalapenos in Bacon
Now that the jalapenos are stuffed, it’s time to wrap them in bacon. Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each jalapeno pepper with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
Tips for Wrapping the Jalapenos in Bacon
When wrapping the jalapenos in bacon, be sure to use high-quality bacon that is thick and crispy. This will help to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and adds flavor to the dish.
You should also avoid overlapping the bacon, as this can cause it to cook unevenly.
Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Now that the jalapenos are wrapped in bacon, it’s time to cook them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon wrapped jalapenos on the baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the jalapenos and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Tips for Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
When cooking the bacon wrapped jalapenos, be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown, but not burnt.
You should also avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can cause the jalapenos to cook unevenly.
Serving the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Now that the bacon wrapped jalapenos are cooked, it’s time to serve them. You can serve them hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and sour cream.
Tips for Serving the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
When serving the bacon wrapped jalapenos, be sure to handle them gently to avoid damaging the peppers. You should also avoid serving them too hot, as this can cause the filling to melt.
You can also customize the serving by adding other toppings, such as diced onions or diced tomatoes.
Conclusion
Bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese are a delicious and spicy appetizer that is sure to be a hit with your guests. With our easy-to-follow guide, you can make this tasty dish like a pro. Remember to handle the jalapenos gently, use high-quality bacon, and cook the dish until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be making bacon wrapped jalapenos like a pro in no time.
Common Variations
While the recipe for bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some heat: If you like a little extra heat in your bacon wrapped jalapenos, you can add some diced serrano peppers or hot sauce to the filling.
- Get smoky: To give your bacon wrapped jalapenos a smoky flavor, you can add some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to the filling.
- Go gourmet: To make your bacon wrapped jalapenos a little more gourmet, you can add some diced prosciutto or chopped fresh herbs to the filling.
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment and come up with your own unique variations.
Final Thoughts
Bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese are a delicious and spicy appetizer that is sure to be a hit with your guests. With our easy-to-follow guide, you can make this tasty dish like a pro. Remember to handle the jalapenos gently, use high-quality bacon, and cook the dish until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be making bacon wrapped jalapenos like a pro in no time.
What is the ideal type of cheese to use for stuffing the jalapenos?
The ideal type of cheese to use for stuffing the jalapenos is cream cheese. This is because cream cheese has a mild flavor that complements the spiciness of the jalapenos, and it also has a smooth texture that makes it easy to mix with other ingredients. Additionally, cream cheese is a good melting cheese, which means it will melt nicely when the jalapenos are baked.
You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, but cream cheese is the most traditional and popular choice. If you want to add some extra flavor to your cream cheese, you can mix it with some diced herbs, such as chives or parsley, or some grated spices, such as garlic or paprika.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning while cooking the jalapenos?
To prevent the bacon from burning while cooking the jalapenos, you can take a few precautions. First, make sure to cook the jalapenos at a moderate temperature, around 375°F (190°C). This will help the bacon cook slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of burning. You can also cover the jalapenos with foil for part of the cooking time, which will help to prevent the bacon from getting too crispy.
Another tip is to use thick-cut bacon, which is less likely to burn than thin-cut bacon. You can also try baking the jalapenos for a shorter amount of time, around 15-20 minutes, and then broiling them for an extra 2-3 minutes to get a crispy texture on the bacon. This will help to prevent the bacon from burning while still achieving a nice crispy texture.
Can I make the bacon wrapped jalapenos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the bacon wrapped jalapenos ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble them just before baking. You can prepare the filling and stuff the jalapenos up to a day in advance, and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to wrap the jalapenos with bacon just before baking, as the bacon can become soggy if it’s wrapped around the jalapenos for too long.
If you want to make the jalapenos ahead of time, you can also bake them and then refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the jalapenos may change slightly after refrigeration or freezing, but they should still be delicious.
How do I know when the jalapenos are cooked through?
To know when the jalapenos are cooked through, you can check for a few signs. First, the bacon should be crispy and golden brown, which should take around 20-25 minutes in the oven. Second, the jalapenos should be tender and slightly softened, but still firm enough to hold their shape. Finally, the filling should be melted and heated through, which you can check by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of a jalapeno.
If you’re unsure whether the jalapenos are cooked through, you can always bake them for a few more minutes and check again. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the jalapenos, as well as your personal preference for doneness.
Can I use different types of peppers instead of jalapenos?
Yes, you can use different types of peppers instead of jalapenos, but keep in mind that the flavor and heat level may vary. For example, you can use Anaheim or poblano peppers for a milder flavor, or serrano or habanero peppers for a spicier flavor. You can also experiment with different colors and shapes of peppers, such as red or yellow bell peppers, or small sweet peppers.
When using different types of peppers, make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For example, thicker peppers may need to be baked for a longer time, while thinner peppers may need to be baked for a shorter time. You can also adjust the amount of filling and bacon to suit the size and shape of the peppers.
How do I store leftover bacon wrapped jalapenos?
To store leftover bacon wrapped jalapenos, you can refrigerate or freeze them. If refrigerating, place the jalapenos in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, place the jalapenos in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen jalapenos can be stored for up to 2 months.
When reheating leftover jalapenos, you can bake them in the oven or microwave them until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop, but be careful not to burn the bacon.
Can I make the bacon wrapped jalapenos in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes, you can make the bacon wrapped jalapenos in a skillet instead of the oven, but it may require some adjustments. To cook the jalapenos in a skillet, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the bacon wrapped jalapenos in the skillet and cook for around 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
Keep in mind that cooking the jalapenos in a skillet can be more tricky than baking them, as the heat may not be evenly distributed. You may need to adjust the heat and cooking time to prevent burning the bacon or undercooking the jalapenos. Additionally, cooking the jalapenos in a skillet may not be as easy to make in large quantities as baking them in the oven.