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This hearty Cowboy Jalapeño Poppers recipe delivers the perfect combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and crispy bacon. It's my go-to appetizer when entertaining because it consistently impresses guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
I first made these poppers for a backyard barbecue last summer and they disappeared faster than any other dish. My brother in law who claims to dislike spicy food ended up eating five of them and asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Fresh jalapeño peppers: choose firm peppers with smooth skins for best results
- Cowboy Cream Cheese: the secret ingredient that adds rich tangy flavor
- Sharp cheddar cheese: freshly shredded adds the perfect melty texture
- Thick cut bacon: provides a smoky crunch that balances the creamy filling
- Ranch dressing: for dipping cools the heat and adds another flavor dimension
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature ensures the jalapeños cook quickly while developing a slight char that enhances their flavor.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine the room temperature Cowboy Cream Cheese with finely shredded cheddar until completely integrated. The room temperature cheese is crucial here as it allows for easy mixing and piping without lumps.
- Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves during this step if you have sensitive skin as the oils can cause burning. Leave some seeds if you prefer extra heat.
- Fill the Peppers:
- Pipe or spoon about one tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Make sure to fill them generously but not overflowing as the cheese will expand slightly while baking.
- Add the Bacon Topping:
- Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over each filled jalapeño. Press slightly so the bacon adheres to the cheese mixture and stays in place during baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the filled jalapeños on your prepared baking sheet allowing them to touch slightly so they remain upright. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
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My favorite thing about this recipe is how the Cowboy Cream Cheese mellows the heat of the jalapeños while adding incredible flavor. Last Christmas I served these as a starter and my mother in law who normally avoids spicy food ended up requesting them for her birthday dinner.
Controlling the Heat Level
The spiciness of jalapeño poppers can vary dramatically depending on how you prepare them. For milder poppers soak the halved jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes after removing all seeds and membranes. This draws out some of the capsaicin responsible for the heat. For those who enjoy more fire leave some seeds and membrane intact particularly at the stem end where most of the heat concentrates.
Make-Ahead Options
These poppers are perfect for entertaining because most of the work can be done in advance. Prepare the poppers up to 24 hours ahead fill them with the cheese mixture and store covered in the refrigerator. Add the bacon topping just before baking. You may need to add 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
While ranch dressing makes a classic dipping option consider serving these poppers with other complementary condiments. Chipotle mayo adds smoky heat honey drizzle creates a sweet heat contrast or avocado crema provides cooling freshness. For a complete appetizer spread pair with cowboy caviar salted nuts and a crisp vegetable platter to balance the richness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese should I use?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can use your preferred cheese variety.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the poppers and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking.
- → Do I need to cook the bacon first?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and crumbled before adding it to the poppers.
- → Are there alternatives to jalapeños?
If you prefer less heat, you can use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños.
- → How can I make these in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then air fry the stuffed jalapeños for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is warmed through and the bacon is crisp.