How to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos in the Oven: The Ultimate Guide
Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. You can easily cook them in the oven by stuffing cored jalapenos with cheese, wrapping them in bacon, and baking at 400°F (200°C) until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
The Allure of Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos
Bacon-wrapped jalapenos, often called “ABTs” (Atomic Buffalo Turds – a slightly irreverent but widely used term), are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The spicy kick of the jalapeno is perfectly balanced by the savory, smoky bacon and creamy, rich cheese filling. This seemingly simple snack is a hit at parties, barbecues, and even as a flavorful side dish. Their popularity stems from their relatively easy preparation, crowd-pleasing nature, and the inherent deliciousness of bacon.
Benefits of Baking
While grilling or smoking bacon-wrapped jalapenos are also popular cooking methods, baking offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Oven baking requires minimal active monitoring, freeing you up to focus on other tasks.
- Temperature Control: The oven provides consistent and even heat, ensuring that the bacon cooks evenly and the jalapenos soften without burning.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: Baking allows you to enjoy this delicious treat regardless of the weather.
- Less Mess: Baking generally results in less grease splatter compared to pan-frying or grilling.
Gathering Your Ingredients
The beauty of bacon-wrapped jalapenos lies in their versatility. While the basic ingredients remain the same, you can customize the filling and bacon to your preference. Here’s a list of essential ingredients:
- Jalapenos: Choose firm, unblemished jalapenos of similar size for even cooking.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the base of the filling, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses adds flavor and melty goodness.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is recommended for faster cooking and crispier results.
- Optional Fillings: Consider adding cooked sausage, chopped scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, or hot sauce to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
The Step-by-Step Process
Here’s a detailed guide on how to bake bacon-wrapped jalapenos:
- Prepare the Jalapenos: Wash and dry the jalapenos. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Wearing gloves is highly recommended to avoid skin irritation.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and any optional fillings. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Stuff the Jalapenos: Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easier.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
- Serve: Let the bacon-wrapped jalapenos cool slightly before serving. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While baking bacon-wrapped jalapenos is straightforward, some common mistakes can detract from the final product:
- Overstuffed Jalapenos: Overfilling can lead to the cheese mixture oozing out during baking.
- Uneven Baking: Ensure the jalapenos are evenly spaced on the baking sheet for consistent cooking.
- Underbaked Bacon: If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, increase the baking time by a few minutes or broil for a short time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Not Wearing Gloves: Handling jalapenos without gloves can cause skin irritation.
- Using Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and may not become as crispy.
Variation Ideas
Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are highly customizable. Here are some variation ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack, gouda, or provolone.
- Different Meats: Add cooked chorizo, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the cheese filling.
- Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup after baking for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: These are naturally gluten-free.
- Vegan: While inherently not vegan, you can use vegan cream cheese, vegan cheese shreds, and vegan bacon substitutes for a plant-based version.
Table: Comparing Common Bacon Types
| Bacon Type | Cook Time | Crispiness | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin-Cut Bacon | Shorter | Crispier | More Intense | Wrapping, toppings |
| Regular-Cut Bacon | Medium | Moderate | Balanced | General purpose |
| Thick-Cut Bacon | Longer | Less Crispy | Richer, Meatier | Sandwiches, stews, if you prefer a chewier bacon |
| Turkey Bacon | Similar | Less Crispy | Lighter, Less Porky | Calorie-conscious option |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I reduce the heat of the jalapenos?
To reduce the heat, thoroughly remove the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers spicy). Soaking the halved jalapenos in ice water for 30 minutes can also help to leach out some of the capsaicin.
What is the best temperature to bake bacon-wrapped jalapenos?
The optimal temperature for baking bacon-wrapped jalapenos is 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the bacon to crisp up nicely while the jalapenos become tender and the cheese melts.
How long should I bake bacon-wrapped jalapenos?
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender. Check on them periodically to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn.
Can I prepare bacon-wrapped jalapenos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Assemble the jalapenos, wrap them in bacon, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze bacon-wrapped jalapenos?
While you can freeze them, the texture of the jalapenos may change slightly. To freeze, bake them partially (about 15 minutes), let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven until heated through and the bacon is crispy.
What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Cream cheese is the most common base, but you can use a variety of shredded cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
Do I need to use toothpicks to secure the bacon?
Toothpicks are highly recommended to prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking. If you don’t have toothpicks, you can try overlapping the bacon ends.
How can I make bacon-wrapped jalapenos spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese filling. You can also use a spicier type of cheese, such as pepper jack. Consider using serrano peppers for an extra kick, but remember they are significantly spicier than jalapenos.
What are some good dipping sauces to serve with bacon-wrapped jalapenos?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sour cream, or guacamole are all great dipping options. A sweet chili sauce provides a nice contrast to the savory and spicy flavors.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon. However, turkey bacon tends to be less crispy than pork bacon. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to achieve desired crispiness.
How do I clean up the grease from baking bacon-wrapped jalapenos?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes cleanup much easier. After baking, carefully drain any excess grease from the baking sheet. Wipe down the oven immediately to prevent grease buildup.
Are bacon-wrapped jalapenos healthy?
While delicious, bacon-wrapped jalapenos are not particularly healthy due to the high fat content of the bacon and cheese. Enjoy them in moderation as a treat.