In the past, we celebrated Independence Day with decorations and a sweet dessert of red, white and blue. But today we’re feeling the “heat” of excitement with these delicious bacon cheddar jalapeno poppers! Given that jalapeño poppers are one of the most POP-ular snacks in America, is there really a better way to celebrate our Independence Day?! Even more, this firecracker of a recipe from Bronner’s 2nd Edition of Flavorful Favorites will even have those with gluten sensitivities, or observing a keto friendly diet, enjoying the beloved appetizer once again! We’re also highlighting some pepper-picking tips.
Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers – Revolutionary
While it is more commonplace to find a deep-fried, breaded version on offer, these meat-wrapped peppers are, in fact, much like the “OG” stuffed peppers that go by the name “armadillo eggs.” According to Pitco®, those proto-jalapeño poppers originated in Texas in the early 1970s and were usually wrapped in sausage or bacon.
Interestingly enough, the phrase “jalapeño popper” (as we know them now) went on to be trademarked by Anchor Food Products on April 30, 1992, though it has become common parlance.
For this reason, this broiled version wrapped in bacon is reminiscent of those early stuffed peppers. It’s a pretty revolutionary way to enjoy nature’s gift (peppers), we must say. And without a doubt, requiring a mere 3 ingredients – bacon, cheese and jalapeños – we think you’re going to love them!
Let’s get this recipe poppin‘!
To Begin – Peter Piper’s Pepper Picking Tips
Try saying that 5 times fast!😂
As the classic Marilyn Monroe film is titled, “Some Like It Hot!” Undoubtedly, if you enjoy jalapeño peppers regularly, you’ve noticed that some are incredibly HOT while others hardly have a hint of heat. It’s a gamble to say the least. So how do you find the perfect pepper for your palate to make these Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers? Here are a few of what we presume would be Peter Piper’s pepper-picking tips[1]:
- Peppers with white striation marks indicate a stressed or older pepper, both of which will be your pick if you like them hot!
- A smoother, bright green pepper is young and therefore more mild.
- Jalapeños turn red as they ripen. Because of their age they may be just the “sweet heat” you’re looking for.
- Jalapeños contain a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin, concentrated around the peppers seeds and ribs, is in fact what gives the jalapeño its heat. To test a pepper’s heat for a recipe, cut off a small piece at the tip for a taste-test.
- If you want to increase the pepper’s heat, leave some or all of the seeds.
Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 Jalapeño Peppers
- 16 oz. Cheddar Cheese or your choice such as pepperjack, etc.
- 12 slices Bacon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the broiler.
- Cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds. (Wear rubber gloves to keep the pepper's oils from burning your skin or eyes.)
- Make 12 slices of cheddar cheese long enough to fit inside the jalapeño halves.
- Insert the cheese slices into the halves.
- Wrap the jalapeño halves with bacon slices, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
To Cook
- Place on a medium baking sheet.
- Broil 5 – 10 minutes, or until the bacon is evenly brown.
Notes
These Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers make an excellent addition to garden party charcuterie boards, too!
More ‘Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!’ Party Foods
If you LOVE bacon – because who doesn’t? – you won’t want to miss some of these other recipes from Bronner’s Flavorful Favorites staff cookbooks that we have shared here on the blog. After all, everything is better with bacon, right?
Bacon Wraps
Little Smokies sausages wrapped in brown sugar and bacon create a mouth-watering, caramelized flavor. Not to mention they are a classic party food!
“Oozing with smoky-sweet flavor and a tender-crisp crunch, these bacon wraps really satisfy,” says contributor Lori Libka.
BLT Party Dip
This fun dip updates the classic BLT. Not to mention it is so light and refreshing. Whipped up in just minutes, it’s sure to become your bacon lover’s next favorite summertime snack!
Sources:
[1] “Tip: How to Check for the Hotness of Jalapeños” Simply Recipes – www.simplyrecipes.com/tip_how_to_check_for_the_hotness_of_jalapenos