
Craving a flavorful appetizer that packs a punch? Look no further than Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers! These little bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, parties, or simply a satisfying snack. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and crispy turkey bacon creates an explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. This recipe offers a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional bacon-wrapped poppers without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
**Why Turkey Bacon?**
While classic bacon is undeniably tasty, turkey bacon offers a leaner profile with fewer calories and less fat. This makes it a great option for those watching their waistline or looking for a healthier alternative. Don’t worry, though – turkey bacon still provides that smoky, savory flavor that complements the jalapeños and cheese perfectly.
**The Perfect Jalapeño Popper Recipe**
This recipe walks you through each step to create the ultimate turkey bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right jalapeños to achieving that perfectly crispy bacon. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible appetizer!
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
* 12 large jalapeños
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound turkey bacon, cut in half
* Optional: BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
**Equipment:**
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil
* Small bowl
* Mixing bowl
* Knife
* Spoon
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Jalapeños:**
* Wash the jalapeños thoroughly. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the chili oils, which can cause irritation.
* Carefully slice each jalapeño lengthwise. You can remove the stems if you prefer, but leaving them on can make them easier to handle.
* Using a small spoon or knife, remove the seeds and membranes from each jalapeño half. This is where most of the heat resides, so be thorough if you prefer a milder popper. For those who like it hot, leave some seeds in!
* Rinse the jalapeño halves under cold water to remove any remaining seeds.
* Pat the jalapeño halves dry with paper towels. This will help the filling adhere better.
2. **Make the Cream Cheese Filling:**
* In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
* Mix all ingredients until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. **Fill the Jalapeños:**
* Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overfill them, or it will spill out during baking.
* Gently press the filling into the jalapeño halves to ensure it is secure.
4. **Wrap with Turkey Bacon:**
* Take a half slice of turkey bacon and wrap it around each filled jalapeño half. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. This will prevent the bacon from unwrapping during baking.
* Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
5. **Bake the Poppers:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the poppers from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Arrange the wrapped jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey bacon is cooked through and crispy and the jalapeños are slightly softened. Keep a close eye on them, as the bacon can burn quickly.
6. **Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):**
* If you want extra crispy bacon, broil the poppers for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch them carefully, as they can burn very quickly under the broiler.
7. **Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the baked jalapeño poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Remove the toothpicks before serving.
* Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
**Tips for the Best Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers:**
* **Choose the Right Jalapeños:** Look for large, firm jalapeños that are free from blemishes. The size of the jalapeños will affect the baking time, so try to choose jalapeños that are roughly the same size.
* **Adjust the Heat:** To control the heat level, adjust the amount of seeds and membranes you remove from the jalapeños. Removing more seeds and membranes will result in a milder popper.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make it easier to combine and create a smooth, creamy filling.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the jalapeños, as the filling will spill out during baking. Leave a little space at the top of each jalapeño half.
* **Secure the Bacon:** Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary. This will prevent the bacon from unwrapping during baking.
* **Bake at the Right Temperature:** Baking the poppers at 400°F (200°C) will ensure that the bacon cooks through and crisps up nicely without burning the jalapeños.
* **Watch Carefully While Broiling:** If you choose to broil the poppers for extra crispiness, watch them carefully, as they can burn very quickly under the broiler.
* **Serve Warm:** These poppers are best served warm, so don’t let them sit out for too long before serving.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Try adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or different types of cheese.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the poppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Freezing:** These can be frozen before baking. Assemble as directed, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
**Variations and Adaptations:**
* **Spicy:** For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling.
* **Sweet and Spicy:** Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the cream cheese filling for a touch of sweetness.
* **Cheesy:** Use a blend of different cheeses in the filling, such as pepper jack, gouda, or Gruyère.
* **Meat Lovers:** Add cooked and crumbled sausage, bacon, or chorizo to the cream cheese filling.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey bacon with vegetarian bacon strips or omit the bacon altogether.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan cream cheese, vegan shredded cheese, and vegan bacon strips.
* **Air Fryer:** Instead of baking, you can also cook these in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are softened.
* **Grilled:** You can also grill these poppers. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is cooked through and the jalapeños are softened.
**Dipping Sauce Suggestions:**
* Ranch dressing
* BBQ sauce
* Blue cheese dressing
* Honey mustard
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
* Salsa
* Spicy mayo
**Health Considerations:**
While turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to regular bacon, it’s still important to be mindful of portion sizes. These poppers are relatively high in fat and calories, so enjoy them in moderation.
**Nutritional Information (per popper, estimated):**
* Calories: 100-150
* Fat: 7-12g
* Saturated Fat: 4-7g
* Cholesterol: 25-40mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 3-5g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 1-2g
* Protein: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* Enjoy as a snack while watching sports games or movies.
* Pair with a salad for a light and flavorful lunch.
* Add to a charcuterie board for a spicy and savory element.
* Bring to potlucks or barbecues.
**Troubleshooting:**
* **Bacon not cooking evenly:** Make sure the bacon is overlapping slightly and that the oven temperature is accurate.
* **Filling spilling out:** Don’t overfill the jalapeños and make sure the cream cheese is softened.
* **Jalapeños too spicy:** Remove more seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
* **Poppers burning:** Lower the oven temperature or reduce the baking time. Watch carefully while broiling.
**Storage:**
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the bacon may not be as crispy.
**Conclusion:**
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and versatile appetizer that is sure to impress. With their combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and crispy turkey bacon, they are the perfect bite for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your liking, so get creative and enjoy! Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder flavor, these poppers can be tailored to your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion! Happy cooking!