Low carb jalapeno poppers with cream cheese and bacon
Why Low Carb Jalapeno Poppers Are Your New Favorite Snack
Low carb jalapeno poppers are the ultimate game-day snack that won’t derail your keto goals. Picture this: perfectly roasted jalapeños stuffed with velvety cream cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked until golden perfection. These keto poppers deliver bold, smoky heat with just 2g net carbs per serving. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving spicy snacks low carb style, this foolproof recipe takes just 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Ingredients
- 12 medium jalapeño peppers (halved and seeded)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 bacon slices (cut in half)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Substitution Tips: Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for tanginess, or swap bacon for prosciutto if you prefer a lighter wrap.
Timing
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min | Serves: 6 (4 poppers each)
How to Make Low Carb Jalapeno Poppers
Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños
Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes using a spoon. Wear gloves to avoid burning your hands. Pro tip: Leave a few seeds in 2–3 peppers if you want extra heat.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
Combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Pro tip: Use a hand mixer for 20 seconds to create an ultra-fluffy texture.
Step 3: Stuff and Wrap
Fill each jalapeño half with 1–2 tablespoons of cheese mixture, mounding it slightly. Wrap one bacon half around each popper, securing with a toothpick if needed. Pro tip: Place bacon seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep it from unraveling.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange poppers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese bubbles. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end. Pro tip: Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (4 poppers): Calories: 285 | Protein: 14g | Fat: 24g | Net Carbs: 2g | Fiber: 1g
Variations & Tips
Substitutions:
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option (reduces calories by 30%)
- Add ¼ cup chopped green onions to the filling for freshness
- Mix in cooked sausage crumbles for heartier keto poppers
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese or it won’t spread smoothly
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which creates steamed (not crispy) bacon
- Never use thick-cut bacon—it won’t cook through before the peppers soften
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spicy snacks low carb style alongside ranch dressing or sugar-free chipotle mayo. Pair with celery sticks and a chilled beer substitute like sparkling water with lime. Arrange on a slate board for stunning presentation.
More Low-Carb Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more keto-friendly dishes? Try our creamy low-carb avocado recipe for another crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Conclusion
These low carb jalapeno poppers prove you don’t need carbs to enjoy crave-worthy appetizers. With crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and just the right kick, they’ll disappear in minutes. Make a double batch—you’ll thank yourself later!
FAQs
Can I make low carb jalapeno poppers ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the poppers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate uncovered. This actually helps the bacon adhere better. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I reduce the spice level?
Remove all seeds and membranes, then soak halved jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing. The water draws out capsaicin oils. You can also substitute mini bell peppers for a completely mild version.
Why is my bacon undercooked?
Partially cook bacon for 5 minutes before wrapping the peppers. Alternatively, use regular-cut (not thick-cut) bacon and bake on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow heat circulation on all sides.
Can I air fry these keto poppers?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method creates extra-crispy bacon while keeping the cheese filling perfectly melted. No toothpicks needed in the air fryer.
Are these safe for meal prep?
Yes, these make excellent meal prep snacks. Store cooked poppers separately in single-serving containers. They maintain quality for 4 days refrigerated and reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer for quick low-carb snacking.
External Resources: