Jalapeno Poppers (Baked)

If you’re sick of your baked jalapeno poppers coming out soggy and oily, you’re going to love my recipe. I don’t wrap mine in bacon — often the culprit for overly greasy results — rather, I sprinkle bacon crumbles on top! All of the savory flavor of bacon without the excess grease. 

Baked Jalapeno Poppers are the Perfect Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer!

Introducing your new go-to baked jalapeno poppers recipe. I top mine with bacon instead of wrapping them to ensure the crispiest and crunchiest filling ever. 

Plus, I use the broiler to continue the cooking process without worrying about burning the peppers. 

A few minutes before you add the bacon is all you’ll need for that golden filling I know you’re going to love! 

This jalapeno poppers oven recipe is the ultimate appetizer for any type of gathering. They’ll be gone in the blink of an eye!

Oven Jalapeno Poppers Ingredients

• Jalapenos
• Cream Cheese
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Cheddar Cheese – shredded
• Breadcrumbs
• Butter – melted
• Bacon – cooked and crumbled
• Fresh Cilantro – optional

How to Make Jalapeno Poppers in the Oven

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Cook the bacon until crispy. Allow it to cool, then chop into crumbles. When it’s cooked, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

STEP TWO: Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise (wear gloves!) and use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers.

STEP THREE: Add the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, shredded cheese, and ¾ of the bacon to a medium bowl and combine with a hand mixer.

STEP FOUR: Fill each jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture.

STEP FOUR: Combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and cilantro (if using) in a separate bowl and sprinkle it on top of the filled jalapenos.

STEP FIVE: Bake the jalapeno poppers in oven for 20 minutes on a baking sheet. 

STEP SIX: Remove from the oven and add the remaining bacon crumbles on top, then bake for another 5 minutes. If you find the top of the filling isn’t as crispy as you’d like, place them under the broiler for a few minutes before adding the bacon. Serve and enjoy!

How Long to Bake Jalapeno Poppers

Bake jalapeno poppers in the oven at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the baking sheet from the oven and add your cooked bacon crumbles for a touch of savory flavor.

Pop them back in the oven for 5 more minutes before serving.

Baked Jalapeno Popper Filling Ideas

Cream cheese and cheddar is a classic jalapeno popper filling combination, but there are many other fillings you could try:

• Bacon and ranch: Incorporate some bacon bits directly into the cream cheese, plus add a bit of ranch seasoning mix. The ranch adds a bit of tang that tastes great with the peppers!
• Sausage and Pepper Jack cheese: Cooked and crumbled spicy sausage pairs well with Pepper Jack cheese and cream cheese. You could even add some chopped red bell pepper for a touch of color and sweetness.
• Buffalo chicken: You guys know how much I love my buffalo sauce! Shred some cooked chicken then toss it in my homemade sauce. Mix the chicken with the cream cheese and add some blue cheese crumbles for some seriously spicy, loaded jalapeno poppers baked to perfection!
• Spinach and artichoke: If you love the dip, you’ll love adding spinach and artichoke to the filling! Simply mix cooked chopped spinach with some diced canned artichokes, then add it to the cream cheese. Incorporate some Parmesan cheese too for extra flavor.

How to Serve Jalapeno Poppers (Oven Baked)

Oven jalapeno poppers are best served hot, straight out of the oven. They’re the perfect addition to a larger appetizer spread for parties, game day celebrations, cookouts, and more. I typically serve mine with some dipping sauces, tortilla chips, sliced veggies, and chicken wings. 

Some other pairing ideas include nachos, potato skins, smoked sausage, and jalapeno deviled eggs, to name a few.  

What is the Best Sauce for Jalapeno Poppers?

The best sauce for jalapeno poppers depends on your personal preference — I love ranch, blue cheese, sour cream, avocado crema, and guacamole.

I typically opt for something that’s cool and creamy to balance out the spiciness of the peppers. Use your favorite! 

How to Store Jalapeno Poppers (Baked)

Store leftover jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled! If you store them when still hot, they will go soggy. 

To reheat, bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.

Jalapeno Poppers in Oven FAQs

Does roasting jalapeños make them less spicy?

Roasting jalapeños can make them less spicy, as the capsaicin (the element responsible for their heat) will break down as they cook. Baking jalapeños also enhances their flavor, making them taste smoky-sweet. 

They may be less spicy, but the flavor is still there!

If you’re not a fan of spicy, use mini bell peppers in place of jalapenos.

Why are my jalapeno poppers soggy?

Jalapeno poppers will become soggy if they’re not cooked at a high enough temperature or if you undercook them. Make sure to bake yours at 400 degrees F until the topping turns golden and the peppers are tender. 

Patting the jalapenos dry before getting started also helps to remove any excess moisture.

How do you stop jalapeño poppers from leaking? 

To prevent the jalapeño poppers from leaking, make sure to dry them thoroughly before slicing and filling. Removing the seeds and membranes is also an essential step, as they contain a lot of excess moisture. 

Be mindful of the filling as well — it should be thick. And don’t overfill the peppers or you run the risk of it leaking out.