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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Meatballs

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These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño meatballs feature a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños and a melty cheddar cheese center, wrapped in smoky bacon for a perfect snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeded for less heat if desired)
  • 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 8 slices thin-cut bacon
  • ½ cup (50g) plain panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash, stem, and finely chop 2 jalapeños. Remove seeds if you prefer milder heat. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb (450g) ground beef, chopped jalapeños, ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly by hand.
  4. Take about 1.5 tablespoons (20g) of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of sharp cheddar (about ½ inch or 1.3 cm) in the center, then mold the meat around it to seal. Roll into a smooth ball. Repeat until all meat mixture is used.
  5. Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each meatball with a half strip of bacon, securing the end underneath. Place them seam side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Use toothpicks if needed to hold bacon in place.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through to crisp all sides evenly. The bacon should be golden and crispy, and the meatballs cooked through (internal temp around 160°F/71°C).
  7. Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the cheese melty inside.

Notes

Use turkey bacon for a leaner option or swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra spice. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatballs tender. Rest meatballs after baking to keep cheese melty. Press bacon gently with tongs if it curls too much during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped meatballs, jalapeño meatballs, spicy appetizer, game day snack, melty cheese meatballs, easy meatball recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-bacon-wrapped-jalape-n-o-meatballs-recipe-easy-melty-cheese-snack/