Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Beef (Print Version)

Fiery jalapenos filled with creamy cheddar blend, wrapped in smoky bacon and ground beef for a flavorful snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapenos

01 - 12 large jalapeno peppers

→ Filling

02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
07 - ¼ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Wrapping

09 - ½ pound ground beef
10 - 12 thin slices bacon
11 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 - ½ teaspoon chili powder

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
02 - Slice jalapenos lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes carefully while wearing gloves for protection.
03 - In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
04 - Fill each jalapeno half gently with the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
05 - Combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and chili powder, then divide into 12 equal portions.
06 - Flatten each beef portion and envelop the stuffed jalapeno halves completely.
07 - Wrap each beef-covered jalapeno with one slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
08 - Place poppers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bacon crisps and beef is cooked through.
09 - Allow poppers to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and safety.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They hit that sweet spot between spicy, smoky, and creamy without being overwhelming.
  • One recipe makes enough for a crowd, but they disappear so fast you'll wish you'd doubled the batch.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, with most of that time being hands-off baking.
02 -
  • The membrane is what holds the heat, so if you want them spicy, leave a little in; if guests are sensitive, remove it completely.
  • Don't skip the cooling step or the cream cheese will ooze everywhere when you take that first bite.
03 -
  • Buy pre-sliced bacon in thin-cut form to save time and ensure even wrapping and crisping.
  • Room-temperature cream cheese is your friend; cold cream cheese creates lumps that are almost impossible to smooth out in the filling.

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