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Game-Day Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Football Bites

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These bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper football bites are a game-day favorite, featuring a creamy, spicy filling wrapped in crispy bacon and shaped like little footballs. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any watch party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 large jalapeño peppers
  • 1 lb thin-cut bacon
  • 12 toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Set aside.
  2. Put on disposable gloves. Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes. You should end up with 24 jalapeño halves.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Take a jalapeño half and fill it generously with the cream cheese mixture, mounding it slightly to form a little oval football shape. Repeat with all the jalapeño halves.
  5. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the filled jalapeño, starting at one end and spiraling slightly to the other. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick pushed through the center. Repeat with all the bites.
  6. Place the wrapped bites on the prepared wire rack, making sure they’re not touching each other. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. If needed, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
  7. Let the bites cool on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks before serving, or leave them in for easy grabbing.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid burning hands. Use thin-cut bacon for best crispiness. Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling. For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes or use mini sweet bell peppers. To make ahead, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 5 minutes to baking time. For air fryer, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, football bites, game day appetizer, jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped, party food, spicy appetizer

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/game-day-bacon-wrapped-jalape-n-o-popper-football-bites/