If you’re on the hunt for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to vanish in minutes, look no further. Inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, the Pioneer Woman, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers cooked to crispy perfection in the oven are an absolute game-changer. Ree Drummond, known for her delicious and approachable recipes, has a knack for creating dishes that are both crowd-pleasing and easy to make. This oven-baked bacon jalapeño poppers recipe takes that spirit to heart, delivering a flavor explosion with minimal fuss.
Why Oven Bacon for Jalapeño Poppers?
Baking bacon in the oven might sound unconventional if you’re used to frying it, but it’s a brilliant method, especially for recipes like these poppers. Oven-baked bacon achieves incredible crispiness without the greasy mess of stovetop cooking. The even heat of the oven renders the fat perfectly, leaving you with uniformly cooked bacon that’s delightfully crunchy. This is crucial for jalapeño poppers, as you want the bacon to provide a satisfying textural contrast to the creamy filling and slightly spicy pepper. Plus, cooking bacon in the oven frees up your stovetop and hands, allowing you to focus on prepping the other components of this irresistible appetizer.
Pioneer Woman’s Oven Bacon Jalapeño Poppers Recipe (Inspired)
This recipe takes the essence of Pioneer Woman’s easy-going style and delivers a mouthwatering treat with just a handful of ingredients. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 9 jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz plain cream cheese, softened
- 6 slices bacon, cut into thirds
- Toothpicks
Instructions
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Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your jalapeños. Carefully slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise.
Sliced Jalapenos -
Seed the Peppers: Using a spoon, gently scrape out the seeds and white membranes from each jalapeño half. This step is important to control the heat level. Removing the seeds and membranes significantly reduces the spiciness, allowing the other flavors to shine through. If you prefer a milder popper, be thorough with this step.
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Fill with Cream Cheese: Take your softened cream cheese and generously smear it into the cavity of each jalapeño half. Ensure each pepper is nicely filled, as the creamy coolness of the cream cheese is a key element in balancing the heat of the jalapeño and the richness of the bacon.
Cream Cheese Filling -
Wrap with Bacon: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around a cream cheese-filled jalapeño half. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. The bacon not only adds incredible flavor but also helps to hold the popper together during baking.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos -
Arrange and Bake: Place a baking rack over a baking sheet. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the poppers, promoting even cooking and crispier bacon.
Jalapenos on Baking Rack -
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. If the bacon hasn’t reached your desired level of crispiness, you can briefly broil them for a minute or two, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Bacon Jalapenos in Oven -
Serve and Enjoy: Once the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the jalapeños are tender, remove the poppers from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving, and remember to warn your guests about the toothpicks! Prepare for these Pioneer Woman inspired bacon jalapeño poppers to be the star of your appetizer spread.
Finished Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
Tips and Variations
- Spice it Up (or Down): For extra heat, leave some seeds and membranes in a few of the jalapeños. For a milder version, consider using poblano peppers instead of jalapeños; they offer a similar shape and texture with less heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese will amplify the spiciness, while cheddar or Monterey Jack will offer a different flavor profile. You can also mix in some shredded cheese with the cream cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Add Some Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the bacon before baking can add a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the jalapeño poppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for party prep.
These oven-baked bacon jalapeño poppers, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s love for delicious and easy recipes, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy oven bacon, creamy filling, and the slight kick of jalapeño is simply irresistible. Perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering, these poppers are sure to become a new favorite appetizer.
