Best Baked Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2024)

Date: Jan 29, 2020 · Updated: May 28, 2021 Author: Sharon Rigsby

These awesome Baked Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers are jalapeño peppers sliced in half and loaded with a creamy, spicy ranch and cheese filling. These tasty poppers are doubly special because they are also wrapped in bacon and baked until they have reached golden brown perfection!

These amazing delicacies will virtually fly off the plate, so you might want to consider making a double batch. They are that good! They also make an excellent appetizer for a Cinco de Mayo party or a perfect game-day snack!

I won’t go so far as to say that these baked jalapeño poppers are healthy, but they are healthier than their cousins, fried jalapeño poppers! I promise you won’t miss the extra calories or the frying and all of the mess that goes along with it.

Here’s what you will need:

Besides jalapeños and bacon, the only other ingredients you will need include cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and a package of dry ranch salad dressing.

Here’s how to make them:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the seeds and ribs. Leave the stems on. Discard the seeds and ribs.

To make the filling, mix the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Fill the jalapeño peppers with the cheese mixture. Don’t overfill, or the cheese will ooze out while baking.

Wrap a slice of bacon around the jalapeño and secure with a toothpick.

Place the prepared jalapeños on a wire rack, which has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray, and set inside of a baking sheet with sides—Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is brown and crispy.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

FAQ:

Are jalapeños a fruit or vegetable?

If you are wondering, jalapenos, like bell peppers and other peppers, are fruits but are eaten like vegetables, similar to tomatoes.

Sharon’s tips:

• I have found that a serrated grapefruit spoon works best for removing the ribs and seeds.
• This recipe, as written, is relatively mild. If you like a little more heat, leave a few seeds or ribs in your peppers.
• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers and avoid touching your eyes.
• To make the poppers ahead, make as directed and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, follow the baking directions. If they are cold, they may take a few extra minutes to bake.
• It’s doubtful you will have any leftovers, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days if you do. To reheat, place them in a 325-degree oven for about 10 minutes.
• Do not use thick bacon in this recipe. It will not cook in the same amount of time as the jalapenos.
• Try to purchase jalapeños that are the same size so they will cook in the same amount of time.
• Neither fresh peppers nor stuffed jalapeño poppers freeze well.
• When picking out your peppers, if you prefer mild, pick a green pepper with smooth skin without any white streaks. Redish or green peppers with white streaks are older peppers and are hotter.
• If you have any cheese filling leftover, it is delicious on crackers.

More jalapeño recipes:

If you like this recipe, I know you will also love my Easy Halloween Jalapeño Mummies! These super cute, yummy snacks are one of my most popular recipes. Although I originally made them for Halloween, they are also perfect for serving at a Super Bowl party or even as a healthy after-school snack for your kids.

You also might be interested in my Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, Mexican Jalapeño Cornbread, Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip with Rotel and Jalapeño, and my Homemade Pico de Gallo.

Are you looking for even more ideas for Super Bowl Food or party appetizers? Check out my roundup posts Score Big with 10 Super Bowl Snacksor 41 Quick and Easy Game Day Snacks and Appetizers.

★ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

📋 Recipe:

*This post was originally published on January 22, 2017. Republished on January 29, 2020, with expanded directions and tips and a new “how-to” video.