How to Make Perfect Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers from Kroger

Spicy jalapeños wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon is a flavor combo that’s hard to beat Take your appetizers up a notch by making these crowd-pleasing bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers using fresh ingredients from Kroger

With just a few simple steps, you can have an easy yet impressive party snack made completely from items found at your local Kroger store Follow this guide for expert tips on selecting ingredients, prepping the jalapeños, constructing the poppers, and cooking them to perfection

Why Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños?

There are several reasons why bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers should be your go-to party food

• Blending rich, savory bacon with the spice and crunch of fresh jalapeños results in an irresistible flavor and texture combo.

• They make for easy finger food that can be picked up and eaten without utensils.

• Bacon wrapped anything tends to be a crowd-pleaser, and the jalapeños add fun heat.

• Assembling them is simple and they bake up quickly, making them the ideal appetizer for gatherings big or small.

• Kids and adults alike will love these tasty morsels of smoky, spicy goodness!

Ingredients to Buy at Kroger

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can conveniently find all the ingredients at your local Kroger store:

• Jalapeños – Look for fresh, firm ones without blemishes in the produce section.

• Bacon – Use your favorite variety, thinly sliced works best.

• Cream cheese – Plain or chive & onion flavor both work well.

• Shredded cheese – Cheddar, pepper jack or Mexican blend.

• Toothpicks – For easy serving once baked.

That’s it! Now let’s get prepping.

Prepping the Jalapeños

Properly prepping the jalapeños is an important first step:

• Rinse and pat dry the jalapeños.

• Cut off the stems, then slice lengthwise and gently scrape out the ribs and seeds.

• Make sure to wash hands and avoid touching eyes after handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.

• Fill the jalapeño halves with cream cheese. Add shredded cheese too if desired.

• Place the stuffed halves on a baking sheet and set aside.

Now the fun part – wrapping in bacon!

Wrapping with Bacon

To wrap:

• Cut bacon strips in half widthwise so they are shorter.

• Wrap each jalapeño half very tightly with 1 piece of bacon.

• Wrap the bacon around the cream cheese stuffing and pepper.

• Secure with a toothpick if needed.

• Place bacon wrapped jalapeños seam side down on the baking sheet.

Cooking Your Poppers

Follow these tips for perfectly baked jalapeño poppers:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Bake for 18-22 minutes until bacon is crispy.

• Rotate pan halfway through if needed for even cooking.

• Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

• Provide plenty of napkins or wet wipes for handling the hot peppers.

• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

And that’s all there is to it! With basic ingredients from Kroger and these simple instructions, you can impress guests with your own homemade bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers.

More Delicious Variations to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, get creative with these tasty ways to switch up your bacon wrapped poppers:

• Stuff with a blend of cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, lime juice, cilantro and chili powder for a southwestern twist.

• Use Italian cheese like mozzarella or provolone instead of cheddar or pepper jack.

• Mix crumbled sausage or chorizo into the cream cheese filling for extra meatiness.

• Swap out the bacon with thinly sliced prosciutto for an upscale take.

• For heat lovers, use habanero peppers instead of jalapeños.

• Fry the stuffed jalapeños in bacon fat instead of baking for crunchier texture.

The possibilities are endless! Adjust spices, cheeses, and cooking methods to invent your own signature bacon wrapped jalapeño recipe.

Jalapeño Popper Tips and Tricks

Take your poppers to the next level with these helpful tips:

• Use a plastic bag as a glove when prepping jalapeños to avoid burning hands.

• Opt for turkey bacon for a leaner alternative to pork bacon.

• Add cayenne, red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling to amp up the heat.

• Slice peppers into rounds instead of lengthwise halves for bite-sized pieces.

• Substitute toothpicks with decorative picks for fun flair.

• Fry leftover baked poppers the next day for deviled bacon jalapeños.

With the right techniques and a little creativity, your jalapeño poppers are sure to impress! Adjust the recipe based on your tastes and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to working with jalapeños and bacon, here are answers to some common questions:

How spicy will they be?

Spice level depends on the jalapeños. Remove all ribs and seeds to tame the heat. Leave some for extra kick.

Does the bacon need to be pre-cooked?

No, the raw bacon will cook to crispy perfection in the oven.

How long will they keep after baking?

Store leftovers in fridge up to 5 days. Reheat at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble poppers up to day before and store chilled until baking.

What’s the best cheese filling?

Cream cheese provides ideal texture, blend with shredded cheddar or pepper jack.

How thick should I cut the bacon?

Aim for slices around 1/8-inch thick for even cooking and wrapping ease.

Make Appetizers Easy with Kroger

Kroger has everything you need for party appetizers in one convenient place. Skip the specialty grocery trips and explore the variety in your neighborhood store’s aisles. With quality ingredients and smart preparation, you can make bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers worthy of your next gathering.