Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for holiday gatherings, Super Bowl parties, or anytime you want a savory, spicy bite—and they’re a clever way to use leftover or boxed stuffing.
These jalapeno poppers combine creamy cheese, savory stuffing, and crisp bacon for a flavor-packed appetizer that’s easy to prepare and wallet-friendly. If you love the classic cream cheese-and-bacon popper, adding stuffing gives each bite extra texture and a hint of holiday comfort—perfect for winter parties or game-day spreads.
This recipe is quick and economical. Using a boxed stuffing mix speeds up prep, and a small package of cream cheese and a pound of bacon are all you need to make a large platter of poppers without breaking the bank. The result is a savory, slightly spicy appetizer with crisp bacon on the outside and a creamy, seasoned center.
Ingredients
- 12 jalapenos
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup prepared stuffing (leftover or boxed)
- 1 lb sliced bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove stems and slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove seeds and membranes if you prefer milder poppers; leave a few seeds if you want extra heat. Wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly after handling hot peppers.
- Spoon or pipe softened cream cheese into each jalapeno half, filling the cavity.
- Top the cream cheese with a small portion of prepared stuffing, pressing lightly to secure it.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of bacon. For smaller peppers, cut the bacon slice in half and wrap with a half-slice.
- Arrange the wrapped poppers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow fat to drip. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly. For extra crispness, broil briefly at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Serving, Yield & Time
- Servings: about 24 jalapeno poppers (12 jalapenos halved)
- Prep time: ~15 minutes
- Cook time: 30–40 minutes
- Total time: ~45 minutes
Tips and Variations
- Safer handling: wear disposable gloves when coring hot peppers to avoid irritation. Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after prep.
- Make-ahead: assemble poppers and refrigerate on a tray for up to 6 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before placing in the oven for even cooking.
- Stuffing swaps: use sausage-stuffed variations by mixing prepared stuffing with cooked breakfast sausage or chopped cooked bacon for added richness.
- Cheese options: mix shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda into the cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Cooking alternatives: grill the poppers over medium heat, turning occasionally until bacon is crisp, for a smoky finish.
Storage
Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through, to keep the bacon crisp; avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture.
Why these poppers work
The combination of creamy cheese and savory stuffing balances the heat of the jalapeno, and wrapping the bite-sized pieces in bacon adds saltiness and a crisp exterior. They’re versatile, easy to scale for a crowd, and make an excellent finger food for parties, potlucks, and game days.
Nutrition (approximate per popper)
- Calories: 111 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Whether you prepare these for the holidays, make them with leftover stuffing after a big meal, or serve them at a Super Bowl party, these Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffing Jalapeno Poppers are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the mix of textures and flavors, and feel free to experiment with cheeses, fillings, and cooking methods to make the recipe your own.
Author: Whitney Bond