Description
These Jalapeno Popper Bites are a deliciously spicy and creamy appetizer perfect for parties or snack time. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and jalapeños, these bite-sized treats can be coated in panko breadcrumbs and optionally wrapped in crescent roll dough for extra crispiness and flavor. Baked to a golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 3–4 jalapeños (seeded and finely diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Coating & Wrapping
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry (optional for wrapping)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for coating)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled cooked bacon, finely diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until the mixture is well blended and uniform.
- Form Bites: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a small ball using your hands.
- Optional Coating: For extra crunch, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to evenly coat all sides.
- Optional Wrapping: If using crescent roll dough or puff pastry, cut into small squares large enough to wrap each cheese ball. Place each ball in the center, fold and seal the edges securely.
- Arrange & Brush: Place the prepared bites on the lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Brush the tops with melted butter if desired to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and heated through with melted cheese inside.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the jalapeno popper bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving to avoid burning and to let flavors settle.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer before baking.
- Serve with ranch dressing or a creamy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and avoid wrapping in crescent dough.
- Omitting the dough reduces carbs, making it a lower-carb snack choice.
