Description
Cowboy Jalapeño Poppers are a bold, smoky, and cheesy appetizer loaded with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of BBQ seasoning—all stuffed into spicy jalapeño halves. Perfect for game days, cookouts, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing snack with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, green onions, and BBQ sauce if using.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, smoothing the top with a spoon.
- Place the filled jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until jalapeños are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the poppers instead of baking them.
- Substitute turkey bacon or leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, cowboy poppers, bacon cheese jalapeños, spicy appetizers, game day snacks