These southern 3-ingredient bacon wrapped jalapenos are the kind of simple cookout appetizer that disappears almost as soon as they hit the table. With smoky bacon wrapped around fresh jalapenos and a creamy cheese filling tucked inside, they bring that perfect mix of heat, richness, and salty crunch that makes folks come back for seconds before everyone has even had firsts.
Serve these hot from the oven or grill with a cold pitcher of sweet tea, lemonade, or your favorite summer cookout drinks. They fit right in beside burgers, pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, and fresh fruit trays, and they also make a wonderful little starter before a backyard barbecue meal.
Southern 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Servings: 12 pieces
Ingredients
12 fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 slices bacon, cut in half
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
2. Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise, then use a small spoon to remove the seeds and membranes. If you want them a little milder, be sure to scrape out as much of the white membrane as you can.
3. Fill each jalapeno half with softened cream cheese, smoothing it in so it stays nicely tucked inside the pepper.
4. Wrap each filled jalapeno with a half slice of bacon, stretching it gently so it covers the top and tucks around the pepper. Place them seam-side down on the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp and the jalapenos are tender. For extra color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
6. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving, since the filling will be very hot right out of the oven.
Variations & Tips
Make Them Milder: For guests who are sensitive to heat, remove every bit of the seeds and membranes before filling the peppers. You can also look for larger jalapenos, which are often a little easier to tame with the creamy filling.
Extra Crispy Bacon Tip: If your bacon is very thick-cut, give it a quick partial cook for a few minutes before wrapping the jalapenos. That helps the bacon crisp up fully by the time the peppers are tender.
Picky Eater Version: If someone in the family does not love spicy food, make a second tray using mini sweet peppers the same way. They have that same creamy, smoky goodness with almost no heat.
Grill Option: These are also wonderful on the grill. Set them over indirect heat in a grill-safe pan or on foil, then cook until the bacon is crisp and the peppers have softened.