What’s better than a classic jalapeño popper? Imagine those spicy peppers, not just filled with cheese, but brimming with savory taco meat, then wrapped in crispy, sizzling bacon. These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Taco Filling transform a beloved appetizer into an extraordinary Tex-Mex sensation, perfect for any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself.
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Taco-Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: The Ultimate Tex-Mex Appetizer
There’s something inherently satisfying about a good appetizer, especially one that brings a little zest and flavor to the table. And when it comes to Tex-Mex, the possibilities are endless. We absolutely adore appetizers, and our passion for Tex-Mex cuisine runs deep. After you’ve savored these incredible Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Taco Filling, be sure to explore other crowd-pleasing recipes like our Creamy Grilled Corn and Green Chile Dip or these vibrant Southwestern Egg Rolls. With a world of appetizer recipes at your fingertips, you simply can’t go wrong!
My Spicy Journey: From New Mexico Heat to Tex-Mex Innovation
Growing up in the vibrant culinary landscape of New Mexico, a love for heat was instilled in me from a young age. Chiles, salsas, and various hot sauces were not just condiments; they were a way of life, an essential part of every meal. My palate was accustomed to the fiery kick of local peppers, and I truly enjoyed the intensity. However, as often happens with life’s twists and turns, moving away from home gradually shifted my tolerance for spicy foods.
For a long time, my husband’s professed dislike for jalapeños meant they rarely made an appearance in our kitchen. I still appreciated the flavor, but the extreme heat I once embraced became less appealing, and I simply didn’t cook with them much. Then, unexpectedly, his preferences changed. Suddenly, he wasn’t just tolerating jalapeños but actively enjoying them! This delightful shift opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, and I’ve been on a jalapeño adventure ever since.
Given my newfound freedom to embrace all things jalapeño, and my enduring love for creative appetizers, it was only natural to infuse a Tex-Mex twist into a classic favorite. Everyone adores jalapeño poppers, don’t they? But these, my friends, are a step above. Instead of a simple cheese filling, I elevated them by stuffing the halved jalapeños with a flavorful mixture of seasoned taco meat and gooey cheese, then lovingly wrapped each one in crispy bacon. The result? An irresistibly delicious and truly addictive appetizer that quickly earned my husband’s enthusiastic seal of approval. In fact, he often claims the majority of them for himself!
Why These Taco-Stuffed Poppers Are a Must-Try Appetizer
These isn’t just another jalapeño popper recipe; it’s an elevated experience. The combination of savory taco meat, creamy cheese, and crisp bacon wrapped around a perfectly roasted jalapeño creates a symphony of textures and flavors that are simply unmatched. Here’s why they stand out:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The robust seasoning of the taco meat complements the mild heat of the jalapeño and the salty crunch of bacon, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
- Perfect Balance of Heat and Cool: While jalapeños provide a gentle kick, the creamy cheese filling helps to mellow the spice, making these poppers enjoyable even for those with moderate heat tolerance.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a casual get-together, these poppers disappear fast. Plus, they’re easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Simple to Prepare: Despite their gourmet appeal, the steps are straightforward, making them accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
Crafting Your Tex-Mex Masterpiece: How to Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Creating these sensational bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers with taco filling is a delightful process that’s easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to bring this Tex-Mex appetizer to life in your own kitchen.
1. Prepare Your Peppers for Perfection
The first step is to meticulously prepare your jalapeños. Start by washing them thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. To manage the heat and create space for the delicious filling, it’s crucial to remove all the seeds and the white ribs inside the pepper. This is where most of the capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat, resides. For those sensitive to spice, or simply to prevent skin irritation, wearing gloves during this process is highly recommended. The goal is a clean, hollowed-out jalapeño boat, ready to be filled.
2. Assemble the Irresistible Taco Filling
The heart of these poppers lies in their flavorful filling. Begin by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s cooked through and crumbled. Once browned, drain any excess grease to prevent the filling from becoming oily. Then, add your favorite taco seasoning mix along with the specified amount of water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully. Transfer this seasoned taco meat to a large mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined into a rich, creamy, and meaty mixture. The softened cream cheese is key here, ensuring a smooth and easy integration with the warm taco meat.
3. Stuff and Secure
With your jalapeños prepped and your filling ready, it’s time for the fun part: stuffing! Generously fill each jalapeño half with the taco meat and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy – pack it in so every bite is bursting with flavor. Next, take a half slice of bacon (or adjust as needed for the size of your peppers) and carefully wrap it around each filled jalapeño half. The bacon not only adds incredible flavor and crispiness but also helps hold the filling in place. To ensure the bacon stays snug during baking, secure it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped poppers on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Finally, it’s time to bake! Place your prepared poppers in a preheated oven and bake until the bacon is perfectly cooked through and delightfully crispy, and the jalapeños have softened to a crisp-tender consistency. The bacon should be golden brown and rendered, adding a beautiful savory crunch to the dish. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, a quick minute or two under the broiler at the very end can work wonders – just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Serve these delectable poppers warm and watch them disappear!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Jalapeño Poppers
Achieving perfectly crisp, flavor-packed jalapeño poppers is simple with a few insider tips:
- Jalapeño Size Matters: Always have a few extra jalapeños on hand. The size of your peppers will directly impact how much filling each can hold. If you have smaller jalapeños, you’ll need more peppers to use up all the filling. Conversely, if your peppers are quite large, you might use fewer. This also applies to bacon – smaller peppers might only require 1/3 of a bacon slice, while larger ones might need a full half.
- Customize the Spice: For a milder popper, consider using mini sweet bell peppers instead of jalapeños, or remove every last trace of the white membrane. If you love the heat, leave a few ribs in!
- Crispy Bacon Perfection: If your bacon isn’t as crisp as you’d like after baking, transfer the baking sheet to the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a very close watch, as bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Make Ahead Magic: These poppers are fantastic for meal prepping or party planning. You can prepare them several hours in advance – stuff, wrap, and secure with toothpicks – then arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and serve.
- Bacon Choice: Opt for standard cut bacon over thick-cut. Thick-cut bacon can take longer to crisp up and might not render as well, potentially leaving your poppers greasy or the bacon undercooked while the pepper becomes too soft.
- Don’t Overfill: While you want a generous filling, avoid overstuffing. Too much filling can make the poppers messy and harder to wrap, potentially causing the filling to spill out during baking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the poppers cool for a few minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier and safer to handle (the cheese will be very hot!).
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a star on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing, a cool avocado cream, or a zesty lime crema to complement the heat. They’re excellent alongside other Tex-Mex appetizers for a full feast or as a standout snack for game day. Consider a few variations to keep things exciting:
- Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the taco filling for an extra fiery punch.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavor and melt.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option. Just season them similarly with taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, use a plant-based ground meat alternative or a hearty mushroom and black bean mixture for the filling.
More Zesty Tex-Mex and Jalapeño Recipes to Explore
If you’re as enamored with jalapeños and bold flavors as we are, then you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños: Another meaty twist on the classic popper.
- Candied Jalapeños: A sweet and spicy condiment that adds a unique zing to almost anything.
- Jalapeño Stuffed Taco Soft Pretzel Sticks: A creative fusion for pretzel and taco lovers.
- Jalapeño Popper Wontons: All the flavor of a popper in a crispy, bite-sized wonton.
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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Taco Filling
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Ingredients
- 15-16 fresh jalapeños
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1 oz package Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb bacon (the amount you need will depend on the size of your peppers. You will need approximately 1/2 slice of bacon per pepper)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
- Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the ribs and discard.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any grease if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl, then add the cooked taco meat. Stir until thoroughly combined. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Fill each of the halved jalapeños generously with the taco meat mixture, dividing evenly amongst all the peppers.
- Cut the bacon in half. Wrap one of the half slices of bacon around each of the filled jalapeños. Secure with a toothpick and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy. For extra crispiness, you may place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, if desired (watch carefully to prevent burning). Serve warm.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
This post was sponsored by Old El Paso, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting me and the companies I partner with.