Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Bread with Bacon is a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Crispy bacon pieces and creamy jalapeño cream cheese topping melt beautifully on a crusty French bread base, broiled to golden perfection for a warm, melty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4 slices of bacon (baked)
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- More cheese for topping (optional)
Vegetables & Spices
- 5-6 jalapeños (seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic (smashed and minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Bake Bacon: Preheat your oven and lay 4 strips of bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake according to your preferred method until crispy. Baking avoids grease splatters compared to frying.
- Prepare Bacon Crumbles: Remove bacon from the pan, discard used foil, and line the pan with fresh foil. Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy for easy mixing.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Seed and chop 5-6 jalapeños carefully, removing all seeds and membranes to control spiciness.
- Mix Filling: Add chopped jalapeños, smoked paprika, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble Bread: Slice the French bread loaf horizontally in half. Spread the jalapeño cream cheese mixture evenly over both halves. Optionally, top with additional shredded cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly on top.
- Preheat Broiler: Turn on your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Broil Bread: Place the assembled bread halves on the foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 6-9 minutes. Watch carefully and remove once cheese is melted and browned to your liking to avoid burning.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from oven, slice into servings, and serve warm immediately for the best melty texture and flavor.
Notes
- For less spice, remove all membranes and seeds from jalapeños completely.
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
- Broil times may vary; watch closely to prevent burning.
- French bread can be substituted with a baguette or other crusty bread.
