Keto Jalapeño Poppers: The Best Appetizers!

These Keto Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate low-carb snack or appetizer! Filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon, they deliver a satisfying kick with every bite. Perfect for keto-friendly snacking or a crowd-pleasing treat at parties, they’re a breeze to make and even easier to devour!

My Personal Experience

These jalapeño poppers are a game-changer! I’ve made them countless times, and they never disappoint. The creamy cheese filling perfectly balances the heat from the jalapeños. Plus, if you add bacon, you’re in for an extra crispy, savory treat that takes these poppers to the next level. Whether it’s a party appetizer or a snack for yourself, they’ll be gone in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These poppers are packed with creamy cheese and a spicy kick from the jalapeños. The flavor is bold, satisfying, and completely keto-friendly, making them the perfect snack or appetizer. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and the best part? You get to control the level of heat to suit your taste!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Jalapeño peppers (10)
  Substitution: If jalapeños are too spicy for you, you can substitute them with mild peppers like bell peppers or Anaheim peppers for a less intense heat.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
  Substitution: For a lighter option, you can use Neufchatel cheese instead of regular cream cheese. Greek yogurt can also work as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
  Substitution: Any shredded cheese can be used, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  Substitution: You can use fresh garlic (1 clove, minced) if you prefer, or garlic salt (but reduce the amount of additional salt used).
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  Substitution: Fresh onions (finely chopped) or shallots can be used in place of onion powder for a more robust flavor.
• Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
  Substitution: Regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead of smoked paprika, but smoked paprika gives a distinct smoky flavor.
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
  Substitution: Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt can be used, and white pepper can be used instead of black pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Crumbled bacon (optional)
  Substitution: If you don’t eat bacon, crumbled turkey bacon or crispy prosciutto can be a great alternative for that crispy topping. You can also skip the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Prep the Jalapeños
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membrane. The seeds hold most of the heat, so removing them makes these milder—if you like a lot of spice, leave a few seeds.
2. Make the Cheese Filling
   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and mix until smooth.
3. Fill the Jalapeños
   Use a spoon to scoop the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
4. Wrap with Bacon
   Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with half a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed to hold the bacon in place.
5. Bake
   Place the wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve
   Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

Tools You’ll Need

• Oven – Preheated to 400°F (200°C).
• Baking Sheet – To bake the stuffed jalapeños.
• Spoon – For filling the jalapeños with the cheese mixture.
• Knife – For slicing the jalapeños.

Tips for the Best Keto Jalapeño Poppers

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer spicier poppers, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños. For milder poppers, remove all the seeds and membranes.
• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: It gives a richer, creamier filling.
• Add Bacon for Extra Flavor: Crumbled bacon on top not only adds a delicious crunch but also makes these poppers even more indulgent.
• Don’t Overfill: While you want plenty of cheese, be sure not to overstuff the jalapeños so they bake evenly.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to get that bubbly, golden finish.
• Freeze: You can freeze these poppers before baking for up to 2 months. Just bake them directly from frozen for an easy snack later on.

Your Questions Answered: FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes! You can try mini bell peppers for a milder, sweeter version.

2. Are there other filling options?
Absolutely—add a little cooked sausage, green onions, or even smoked paprika to customize your filling.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the poppers ahead and refrigerate them. Just bake them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information (per popper)

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 1g

Enjoyed this recipe? Drop a comment below with your feedback, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more delicious keto recipes! Bookmark our website, too, for easy access to all our latest recipes and updates.