Description
Crispy jalapeño popper bites bring zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to party appetizers. Spicy cream cheese filling and crunchy bacon create an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
Proteins and Vegetables:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Chips:
- 48 tortilla scoops chips
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for effortless removal and minimal cleanup.
- Create a creamy filling by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese. Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth, consistent texture. If cream cheese is cold, briefly microwave for 20 seconds to enhance mixability.
- Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into tortilla scoops, using a rounded teaspoon to prevent overflow during baking. Distribute filling evenly across each scoop.
- Add crispy bacon bits and diced jalapeños on top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring balanced flavor distribution in each bite.
- Place filled scoops into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Monitor closely after 8 minutes to prevent burning while achieving perfectly melted cheese and golden edges.
- Remove from oven when edges turn golden brown and cheese appears bubbling and melted. Allow a brief 2-minute cooling period to set the filling.
- Transfer jalapeno popper bites immediately to a serving platter. Consume while hot and crisp for maximum flavor and optimal texture. These appetizers vanish quickly, so serve promptly.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese completely before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling for perfect texture.
- Use fresh jalapeños for maximum flavor punch, removing seeds if you prefer less heat in your bites.
- Prepare these bites ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then pop in the oven when guests arrive for instant appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg