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Cowboy Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

4.6 from 79 reviews

Cowboy Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious appetizer featuring spicy jalapeño halves stuffed with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese and cowboy cream cheese, topped with crispy crumbled bacon and baked to perfection. Served warm with ranch dressing, these poppers deliver a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and smoky flavor, making them ideal for parties or game-day snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 recipe Cowboy Cream Cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

Other Ingredients

  • 10 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature Cowboy Cream Cheese with finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  3. Fill Jalapeño Halves: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each halved and seeded jalapeño with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture, distributing it evenly.
  4. Arrange and Add Bacon: Place the filled jalapeño halves on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them closely without tipping over. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly on top of each stuffed pepper.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is warmed through and the bacon topping is crispy and golden.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy these flavorful poppers as a perfect appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat level of the poppers by using milder or hotter jalapeños or by leaving some seeds in for extra spice.
  • For a smoky twist, consider using smoked cheddar or adding a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
  • Make sure to properly seed the jalapeños to control the spice and make them more enjoyable for all palates.
  • These poppers can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving to save time.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, cowboy cream cheese, baked appetizers, spicy snacks, bacon poppers, game day food, cheesy jalapeños