Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined.
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half with the cheese and bacon mixture.
Place the stuffed jalapenos on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the jalapenos are tender and the cheese filling is bubbly and slightly browned.
Let the poppers cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
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Notes
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños: This helps avoid transferring the oils to your skin or eyes.
Don’t overfill: Fill the jalapeños just to the top to prevent the mixture from bubbling over too much during baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the poppers up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes for extra crispy tops.
Add a breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle with panko or crushed pork rinds for a crunchy finish before baking.
Serving tip: Pair with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a drizzle of hot honey for extra flavor.
Mix up the cheeses: Try adding pepper jack, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Grill option: These poppers can also be cooked on the grill over indirect heat for a smoky twist.