Jalapeno Poppers with Brown Sugar Bacon

One of the most popular appetizers on Tao of Spice, these bite-sized sweet and spicy bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with brown sugar are always a hit! Naturally gluten-free.

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I’m really starting to feel those summertime vibes 😍. And there’s nothing that makes my heart happier!!! I am a summer girl through and through. Bring on the heat, camping, days at the lake, and last but not least barbecues.

Whether it be with a group of friends or just my fam, I love busting out the grill. Cooking your food over coals and fire takes it to the next level flavorwise not to mention it is so darn simple. The ease of clean-up makes this mama’s heart sing and allows me the much-needed opportunity to take it easy.

One of my favorite side dishes to serve when we are grilling out is bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. The issue I’ve run into is that they are a bit of a hassle when prepared on the grill. The drippy bacon grease tends to ignite. No Bueno.

That being said, I prefer to bake mine. And they are just as delicious that way so it’s a win-win.

Another issue I’ve run into is that sometimes a whole pepper is just too much. In my house, we typically serve them as an appetizer. They are so incredibly good that it’s hard to stop and next thing you know you’ve had two, or three…..ok maybe even four. And then you’re feeling quite full.

To remedy that, I got the idea to slice them up into bite-size pieces. More for everyone!!! Yay!!

These baked jalapeno popper bites are still simple to prepare and just as tasty, if not more because they are topped with brown sugar. You know what the result of baking bacon with brown sugar is? Candied bacon! Which has got to be one of the most glorious things you could possibly put in your mouth.

These peppers have got it all: heat, sweet, melty cheese, crispy bacon. For real, give them a shot. They will no doubt be an instant hit whether you’re entertaining or just kicking back with your family.

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Ingredients (+ notes & substitutions)

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• Cream cheese: Make sure to warm it to room temp first.
• Cheddar cheese: I typically use sharp cheddar but you could switch it up and use Colby Jack, pepper Jack, or any other cheese you want to try!
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Jalapenos: This recipe works best with large jalapenos so choose the biggest ones you can find. It’s not only difficult to hollow out smaller jalapenos but doesn’t leave much space for the filling.
• Thick-cut bacon: Standard-cut bacon would also work.
• Dark brown sugar: Light brown sugar is also fine.

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How to make sweet and spicy jalapeno poppers (+tips)

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1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.

3. Slice off the stem end of the jalapenos and use a small spoon or knife to scrape out the seeds and membranes.

4. Fill the hollowed-out jalapenos with the cream cheese mixture then slice them into fourths.

5. Wrap each jalapeno slice with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

6. Arrange the jalapeno popper bites in a single layer in a medium baking/casserole dish, sprinkle the brown sugar over top.

Bake for 20-minutes or until bacon is slightly crispy. ***You may want to check on the poppers a couple of times as they and if a lot of grease has accumulated, pour some of it out. This will help the bacon crisp up. If you lose a lot of the brown sugar you can sprinkle on some more.

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Storage

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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

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Recommended Products

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More jalapeno popper inspired appetizers:

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• Deep-Fried Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs: Deep-fried egg whites are stuffed with a creamy yolk mixture, and topped with sliced jalapenos, bacon, and cayenne pepper to create these indulgent deep-fried jalapeno popper deviled eggs.
• Wonton Jalapeno Poppers: These simple wonton jalapeno poppers are filled with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, and green onions + bacon if you choose. Deep fryer and air fryer instructions included!

If you make these sweet and spicy jalapeno poppers with brown sugar I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥