Ingredients
1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c. shredded Pepper Jack
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
12 jalapeños
12 slices bacon, halved
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, Pepper Jack, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.Step 2Halve jalapeños lengthwise, then use a spoon to remove seeds and veins. Fill with cheese mixture and wrap each with a halved slice of bacon.Step 3Place on a baking sheet and bake until bacon is crispy and peppers are tender, about 25 minutes.
Step 1In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, Pepper Jack, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.Step 2Halve jalapeños lengthwise, then use a spoon to remove seeds and veins. Fill with cheese mixture and wrap each with a halved slice of bacon.Step 3Working in batches, place jalapeños in a single layer in air-fryer basket. Cook at 400° until cheese is bubbly and bacon is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
Here are a few tips to help you execute this easy app: Do I have to add the bacon? Nope! Obviously we love bacon with everything, but if you’ve got vegetarian guests, you can totally skip it—they’ll still taste amazing. Can I make jalapeño poppers in the air fryer? Yes! These poppers are delicious in the oven or the air fryer, and we’ve included instructions for both in the recipe. The air fryer will cut your cooking time in half, but you’ll need to bake them in batches to ensure you’re cooking in single layers! If you’re making it in the oven, bake on a rack set inside a sheet tray or use small wads of foil to keep the poppers stable while baking. Can I make these ahead of time? If you want to make these ahead of your next party, prepare the filling and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also halve the jalapeños and take out the ribs and seeds beforehand. To take early prep a step further, freeze after assembly: Freeze the assembled poppers in a single layer on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper for 4-6 hours. Then transfer them to a plastic freezer bag to save space. Looking for more? Try our Jalapeño Popper Dip for a delicious dippable version, or our Jalapeño Popper Crisps for the easiest, tastiest snack. Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!