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Beef Bacon Jalapeño Twists Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Beef Bacon Jalapeño Twists are a delicious appetizer featuring fresh jalapeños stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, wrapped in smoky beef bacon, and baked until crispy and golden. Perfect for spice lovers and bacon enthusiasts alike, these twists pack a flavorful punch and make a great party snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Jalapeño Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 12 medium to large fresh jalapeños
  • 12-16 slices high-quality beef bacon
  • 24-30 wooden toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Prepare Jalapeños: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash, dry, and carefully halve all 12 jalapeños lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out all seeds and white membranes from each half to reduce heat. Wearing disposable gloves during this step is highly recommended.
  2. Make Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix vigorously until smooth and spices are evenly distributed. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese until just combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Assemble Twists: Fill each jalapeño half with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture. Lay out a slice of beef bacon and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeño half starting from the stem end, twisting slightly to secure. Use 1-2 wooden toothpicks to hold the bacon in place through the jalapeño and bacon.
  4. Bake: Arrange the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet with space between each. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully rotate the sheet 180 degrees and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender-crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to allow filling to set. Remove all toothpicks before serving. Arrange on a platter and serve warm with optional garnishes like chopped chives or cilantro and dips such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or sriracha mayo.

Notes

  • Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
  • Removing seeds and membranes controls the heat level of the jalapeños.
  • You can substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack for an extra spicy kick.
  • Use high-quality beef bacon for better flavor and crispiness.
  • Keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of baking to prevent burning.
  • Serve immediately for best taste and texture.