Cowboy Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
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.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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