🥓 Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

Preheat Oven:

Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a wire rack on top (helps crisp the bacon evenly).

Make the Filling:

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Stuff the Jalapeños:

Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half.

Wrap with Bacon:

Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice (or whole slice) of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Bake:

Place on the wire rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender.

For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Serve:

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch or hot honey if you’re feeling fancy.

🔥 Tips:

Want them smokier? Grill over indirect heat for 20–30 minutes instead.

Want them hotter? Leave in a few seeds or use serrano peppers.

Can be made keto-friendly (naturally low-carb!).