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Flavorful BBQ Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

bbq bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers feature a rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar filling, finished with a caramelized brown sugar glaze for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
  • 12 slices bacon (thin or regular)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: hot sauce or cayenne pepper, to taste
  • Optional for glaze: a splash of water or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Wear gloves. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes. Remove all seeds for milder poppers or leave some for heat.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add hot sauce or cayenne if desired. Mix until smooth.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  5. Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. Cut bacon slices in halves or thirds if needed. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
  6. Prepare the brown sugar glaze by mixing brown sugar with a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to form a thick glaze.
  7. Brush the glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped poppers.
  8. Place poppers on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through and reapplying glaze if desired for extra caramelization. Bacon should be crispy and glaze glossy.
  10. Let poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. For crispier bacon, use a wire rack and consider broiling for the last 2 minutes while watching closely. Let poppers rest before serving to prevent hot cheese eruptions. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, BBQ, brown sugar glaze, appetizer, spicy snack, party food