Pioneer Woman Oven Bacon Jalapeno Poppers: The Ultimate Guide

Craving a snack that’s both spicy and savory? Look no further than these incredible oven-baked bacon jalapeno poppers, inspired by the one and only Pioneer Woman. If you’re a fan of easy appetizers that deliver a big punch of flavor, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. These “thingies,” as even the Pioneer Woman affectionately calls them, are so addictive, you might just find yourself making them for every gathering – or keeping them all to yourself! The magic lies in the creamy, cool cream cheese filling meeting the crispy, salty bacon and the subtle heat of the jalapeno. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to create right in your oven.

Why are these oven bacon jalapeno poppers a must-try? Beyond the irresistible taste, they are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a game-day snack, or simply want to treat yourself, these Pioneer Woman inspired poppers are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Oven Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

You only need three main ingredients (plus toothpicks!) to whip up these delightful bites:

• Jalapenos: 9 fresh jalapeno peppers. Choose firm, bright green peppers for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust the quantity if you’re feeding a crowd – this recipe is easily doubled or tripled!
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz (half of a standard 8 oz block) of plain cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened for easy spreading. Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
• Bacon: 6 slices of bacon. Regular-cut bacon works perfectly. You’ll be cutting each slice into thirds, so you get plenty of bacon-y goodness in every popper.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Bacon Jalapeno Poppers in the Oven

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Pioneer Woman inspired oven bacon jalapeno poppers:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This temperature ensures the bacon cooks perfectly and the jalapenos become tender without being mushy.

2. Prepare the Jalapenos: Carefully cut each jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise.

   Preparing Pioneer Woman's oven bacon jalapeno poppers: filling jalapeno halves with cream cheese

   Now comes the important part: removing the seeds and membranes. This is where the majority of the heat resides. Use a spoon to scrape them out. For less spicy poppers, be thorough. If you like a bit more heat, you can leave some seeds in, but be warned – jalapenos can vary in spiciness!

3. Fill with Cream Cheese: Take your softened cream cheese and generously smear it into each jalapeno half.

   Cutting bacon into thirds for wrapping jalapeno poppers

   Make sure each half is nicely filled, as the cream cheese is a key component of the flavor balance.

4. Wrap with Bacon: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon around each cream cheese-filled jalapeno half.

   Wrapping cream cheese filled jalapeno with bacon

   Secure the bacon with a toothpick. This will keep the bacon in place while baking and prevent the cream cheese from oozing out too much.

5. Arrange and Bake: Place a rack over a baking sheet. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on the rack.

   Arranging bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a baking rack for oven baking

   Baking on a rack allows air to circulate and the bacon to crisp up nicely.

   Baking Pioneer Woman's bacon jalapeno poppers in the oven until bacon is crispy

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and beautifully browned. For extra crispy bacon, you can broil them for the last minute or two, but watch closely to prevent burning!

6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

   Delicious oven bacon jalapeno poppers ready to serve

   Remember to warn your guests about the toothpicks! These Pioneer Woman inspired oven bacon jalapeno poppers are best enjoyed warm, when the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese is melty.

Tips for Perfect Oven Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

• Spice Level: Control the heat by how thoroughly you remove the jalapeno seeds and membranes. For a milder version, you can also soak the halved jalapenos in milk for 30 minutes before filling.
• Cream Cheese Variations: While plain cream cheese is classic, feel free to experiment! Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese for extra flavor, or mix in some chopped chives or green onions.
• Serving Suggestions: These poppers are fantastic on their own as an appetizer or snack. They also pair well with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.

These Pioneer Woman Oven Bacon jalapeno poppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet sensational recipe!