Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers

I’ve been sharing a lot of the all-star snack recipes from my own household lately. None of these are new recipes, but they are definitely the most popular around here. It’s probably not a stretch to imagine the Sriracha Honey Wings and Mac & Cheese Bites are popular in your household, too! These Bacon Ranch Jalapeno Poppers are another favorite of my family and friends. There’s something so irresistible about spicy peppers, tangy cream cheese, and salty bacon all wrapped into one bite.

The most important thing to mention here, I think, is to remember the correct way to work with jalapeno peppers. While they might seem innocent, you really want to make sure you don’t get the pepper on your hands. The second you touch something else with jalapeno hands like, say, your eye, you’ll be greeted with a very unpleasant stinging sensation that can’t easily be wiped away with water or soap. Jalapeno oil is serious!

I usually wear gloves when I work with the peppers. Or, I make sure I wash my hands right away after I’ve cut them. I also make sure to remove the seeds because those are very, very hot. Most people don’t like jalapeno seeds in their food, they are so hot they can really ruin the dish.

Once you’ve safely handled your peppers you can proceed with assembling the poppers. They are intended to be one-bite packages you can pop right in your mouth so be sure to wrap them up well! After they are baked serve them piping hot. They are definitely best when the cheese is melted and warm and the bacon is crispy. I like to bring them on a platter straight from the oven to buffet table and let people eat them right up.

I hope you enjoy adding this snack to your rotation at your next football party. They’ll be a hit, I’m sure of it!

Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers

These are super fun snacks that everyone loves. They’d be a great nibble to have on a spread you serve for the Big Game, or whenever friends swing by for cocktails.

Makes 2 dozen poppers

Ingredients:

• 12 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ tsp Salt and ¼ tsp pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers

• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing, scallions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

2. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.

3. Spread melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers in a shallow dish. Coat each jalapeño half in the cracker mixture.

4. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Enjoy warm with ranch dressing for dipping and extra bacon crumbles for garnish

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.