Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites are a perfect party appetizer that combines creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon all in one bite-sized treat. They’re simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (light cream cheese is okay)
- 3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (use less or more depending on preference)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 48 tortilla scoop chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Step 2: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, green onions, jalapeños, bacon, pepper jack, and sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Step 4: Spoon a rounded teaspoon of the filling into each tortilla scoop chip.
- Step 5: Top with additional bacon and cheese if desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Step 6: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Step 7: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove seeds completely to reduce heat.
- Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Serve with a side of ranch or chipotle sauce for dipping.
Storage
Store any leftover popper bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the chips soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just assemble and bake the bites when ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have tortilla scoop chips?
You can use mini phyllo cups or even halved mini bell peppers as a creative alternative to scoop chips.
PrintEasy Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe
These Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cheeses, spicy jalapeños, crisp bacon, and crunchy tortilla scoops. Perfect for parties or game days, they combine savory and spicy flavors baked to bubbly perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 48 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (light cream cheese is okay)
- 3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust quantity based on spice preference)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Assembly
- 48 tortilla scoop chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bites evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, thinly sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, shredded pepper jack cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Fill the Chips: Using a rounded teaspoon, spoon the prepared filling mixture into each tortilla scoop chip, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed among the 48 chips.
- Add Toppings: Optionally, sprinkle additional crumbled bacon and shredded cheese atop each filled chip for extra flavor and presentation.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Bake until the filling is bubbly and the cheese is completely melted to ensure a deliciously warm appetizer.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the jalapeño popper bites immediately while hot and gooey for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on desired spice level.
- Use light cream cheese to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
- These bites are best served fresh out of the oven to maintain their crispiness and gooey texture.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead, stored in the fridge, and baked just before serving.
- For a milder version, omit the jalapeños or use mini sweet peppers instead.
Keywords: jalapeño popper bites, appetizer, party snack, jalapeño recipe, cheesy bites, bacon appetizers, easy appetizer, game day food
