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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Football Bites for Game Day

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These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeno popper football bites are the ultimate game day snack—spicy, creamy, and wrapped in savory, crunchy bacon. Perfect for parties, tailgates, or family gatherings, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 medium fresh jalapeno peppers, washed, halved, and seeds removed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 10–12 thin-cut bacon slices
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Toothpicks or small skewers

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Wearing gloves, slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for milder bites. Lay halves out, cut side up.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or butter knife, filling generously but not overflowing.
  5. Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon, stretching gently to cover most of the filling. Secure with a toothpick through the center.
  6. Pinch the ends of each popper slightly to shape into footballs (optional).
  7. Arrange poppers on the wire rack or directly on parchment. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway if not on a rack, until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly.
  8. Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped chives or green onions to create ‘laces’ on top of each football bite (optional).
  9. Remove toothpicks and arrange bites on a platter. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapenos. Use thin-cut bacon for best crispiness. You can prep jalapenos and cheese filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking. For vegetarian or dairy-free adaptations, use plant-based bacon and cheese substitutes. Serve with ranch, sour cream, or avocado crema for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, bacon-wrapped, football snacks, game day, party appetizer, spicy snacks, easy recipe, gluten-free, keto, low-carb

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-popper-football-bites-for-game-day-easy-party-snack-recipe/