Nothing says Christmas party like a tray of warm, gooey Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers fresh from the oven. That perfect moment when you bite into the crispy Turkey Bacon topping and get that glorious rush of creamy, spicy goodness? Pure holiday magic. I’ve been making these for every family gathering since my cousin’s ugly sweater party in 2018, when they disappeared so fast I barely got to try one myself!
The beauty of these poppers is how they balance festive flavors. You’ve got the rich cream cheese filling, sharp cheddar, smoky Turkey Bacon, and just enough jalapeño kick to keep things interesting. They’re the appetizer that makes everyone hover around the buffet table, waiting for the next batch to come out. And the best part? They come together in about 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those hectic holiday cooking days.
What makes my version special is the garlic and onion powder blend mixed right into the cheese filling. It adds that extra savory depth that keeps people coming back for “just one more.” Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch, these Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers have a way of vanishing faster than Christmas cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Let me tell you why these little bites of joy will become your new holiday tradition:
- Seriously quick: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat, perfect when you’re juggling a million holiday tasks.
- Crowd-pleasing magic: That creamy cheese and crispy Turkey Bacon combo? Even your picky uncle will sneak seconds.
- Spice to your liking: Keep seeds for heat lovers, remove them for kids, and everyone gets their perfect bite.
- Festive without fuss: Those red and green jalapeño halves look like edible Christmas decorations on your platter.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep them in the morning, then just pop them in the oven when guests arrive.
I’ve watched these disappear at every party since that first batch; they’re the edible equivalent of holiday cheer!
Ingredients for Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible holiday bites. I’m super particular about my ingredients; these exact measurements and prep steps make all the difference between good poppers and legendary poppers!
- 12 fresh jalapeños: Look for firm, glossy peppers about 3 inches long. We’ll halve them lengthwise and remove seeds (gloves recommended!).
- 8 oz cream cheese: Full-fat, softened to room temperature, this makes the filling perfectly smooth and spreadable.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch. Pre-shredded works, but block cheese melts creamier.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Not garlic salt! We want pure garlicky goodness without extra sodium.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: The secret savory note that makes people ask, “What’s that amazing flavor?”
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop without overpowering.
- 6 slices of Turkey Bacon: Cooked until crisp and crumbled. Thick-cut gives the best texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Plain or panko both work for that golden, crunchy topping.
Pro tip: Set your cream cheese out about an hour before starting; cold cream cheese will give you a lumpy filling, and nobody wants that!
How to Make Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Okay friends, let’s get these holiday poppers party-ready! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve learned a few tricks to get them perfect every time. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have golden, bubbly poppers that’ll be the star of your Christmas spread.
Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños
First rule: wear gloves! Jalapeño oil can burn your skin (and trust me, you don’t want to rub your eyes later). Slice each pepper lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes with a small spoon; this is where most of the heat lives. Want milder poppers? Scrape every last bit out. Like it spicy? Leave some seeds in. Rinse the halves and pat them dry; this helps the cheese stick better.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
Now for the good stuff! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, no lumps allowed! Mix in the cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Keep stirring until it looks like one cohesive, creamy mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when you can drag a spoon through it and see no streaks. This filling should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped, but still soft enough to pipe or spread easily.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Time to bring it all together! Arrange your prepped jalapeño halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pepper half, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle generously with crumbled Turkey Bacon, then dust with breadcrumbs for that perfect golden crunch. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are lightly browned. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, just watch them closely so they don’t burn! Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving (if you can resist that long).
See those golden edges and melty cheese? That’s your cue they’re done perfectly. The first batch always disappears fastest, so I usually double this recipe, you’ve been warned!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Listen, I’ve burned my fair share of poppers over the years, so let me save you the trouble with these hard-earned tricks:
- Broil for the win: That last 2 minutes under the broiler gives you restaurant-quality crispiness—just don’t walk away! They’ll go from golden to black in seconds.
- Spice control: Leave a few seeds in half the poppers for heat lovers, make others seed-free for kids. I mark the spicy ones with extra Turkey Bacon crumbles so nobody gets surprised.
- Turkey Bacon matters: Thick-cut Turkey Bacon gives better crunch and smoky flavor than the flimsy stuff. Cook it until nearly burnt—it softens during baking.
- Filling hack: If your cheese mixture’s too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk. Too runny? Extra shredded cheddar fixes it right up.
Follow these tips, and your poppers will be the talk of the cookie exchange—guaranteed!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Got dietary needs or just want to mix things up? Here’s how to tweak these Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers while keeping that festive flavor:
- Cheddar swap: Monterey Jack melts beautifully for a milder taste, or try pepper jack for extra kick.
- Dairy-free option: Vegan cream cheese works surprisingly well; just add a pinch more garlic powder to boost flavor.
- Bacon alternatives: Beef bacon crisps up nicely, or skip meat entirely with smoked paprika for that bacony essence.
- Breadcrumb sub: Crushed pork rinds add crunch without carbs, or use gluten-free panko if needed.
Remember: each change tweaks the final taste slightly, but the holiday spirit stays intact!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers
Oh, let me tell you how to make these poppers the life of your holiday party! I always serve them with a big bowl of cool ranch dip on the side, that creamy contrast is just *chef’s kiss*. For drinks, they pair perfectly with ice-cold beer or a festive cranberry margarita. The tangy citrus cuts through the richness so nicely.
Arrange them on a red or green platter for instant Christmas vibes; they look gorgeous next to other appetizers at a buffet. My favorite trick? Set them out right before dinner with some spiced nuts and olives. Guests nibble while you put the finishing touches on the main meal. Just be ready to refill the tray fast, these disappear quicker than Santa’s cookies!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) These Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s my golden rule for reheating: always use the oven (350°F for about 10 minutes), the microwave turns them into sad, soggy messes. That quick bake brings back the crispy Turkey Bacon and golden crust like magic. Pro tip: If the breadcrumbs need reviving, a quick 30-second broil at the end works wonders!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into (per 2 poppers): about 120 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated), and 4g protein. But listen, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients. Thicker Turkey Bacon? More cheese? It all adds up differently. The important thing is the festive flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of my Christmas party?
Absolutely! Prep your poppers up to 24 hours ahead, just fill the jalapeños, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When guests arrive, pop them in the oven (add 2-3 extra minutes since they’re cold). The Turkey Bacon and breadcrumbs wait till baking time so they stay crispy.
How can I make them less spicy for kids?
Remove every last seed and membrane, that’s where the heat lives! I give my milder batches a tiny parsley garnish so adults know which are which. The cheese mellows the remaining jalapeño flavor beautifully.
Can I freeze Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers?
Honestly? I don’t recommend it. The texture goes mushy after thawing. But here’s my holiday hack: keep extra prepped jalapeño halves frozen, then make fresh filling when needed. They come together so fast anyway!
Why do mine come out watery sometimes?
Ah! Always pat those jalapeño halves bone-dry before filling. And if your cream cheese was too soft, it can separate; that’s why room temp (not warm) is key. A sprinkle of extra breadcrumbs absorbs any excess moisture during baking, too.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Family Tastes.
Print
35-Minute Christmas Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers: Irresistibly Spicy Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Spicy and cheesy jalapeño poppers perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeños: sliced in half and seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese: softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 slices
- Turkey Bacon: cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle crumbled
- Turkey Bacon and breadcrumbs on top.
- Place the filled jalapeños on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Adjust spice level by removing more seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg