Jalapeno Poppers with Smoky Paprika Cream

Name: Jalapeno Poppers with Smoky Paprika Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapenos; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 slices of bacon, cut in half; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Collection

I absolutely love making Jalapeno Poppers with Smoky Paprika Cream for parties or just as a fun snack at home. These poppers are a delightful blend of heat and creamy goodness that bring excitement to any gathering. The combination of spicy jalapenos and a smoky, flavorful cream dip keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a favorite in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to for your gatherings as well!

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:37:34.415Z

When I was experimenting with appetizers, I discovered that the right blend of spices can elevate simple ingredients. The smoky paprika cream adds depth that perfectly complements the jalapenos’ heat.

A tip I found helpful is to soak the jalapenos in water before stuffing them to slightly reduce the spiciness. The balance of flavors is key, and I learned that half-baking the poppers before the final cook gives a crispy skin while ensuring the filling is warmed through.

        Why You'll Love These Poppers
        Bursting with flavor and the perfect amount of heat
Creamy smoky dip provides a delightful contrast
Great finger food for gatherings or casual evenings

      

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

The combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar is essential for creating a rich, indulgent filling. The cream cheese offers a smooth texture that melds beautifully with the spices, while the cheddar adds a savory richness. Remember to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for easy mixing. This will ensure a creamy consistency that will fill the jalapenos thoroughly without any lumps.

Smoked paprika is the star spice in this recipe, contributing a deep, earthy flavor that enhances the heat from the jalapenos. If you're a fan of extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. This will elevate the spiciness, resulting in a popper that packs a punch and balances well with the smoky dip.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Poppers

Bacon plays a crucial role in these poppers, bringing both flavor and texture. When wrapping the jalapenos, consider using thicker-cut bacon to ensure it doesn't overcook and become too crispy during the baking process. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a great alternative, saving you some prep while still delivering that smoky goodness.

As you bake your jalapeno poppers, keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark. You want the bacon to achieve a perfect crispy texture without burning. The visual cue here is to look for golden edges and sizzling fat. If you notice the bacon isn't quite crisping up, you could switch to the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end; just ensure you watch them closely to avoid charring.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients!

For the Jalapeno Poppers

12 large jalapenos
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 slices of bacon, cut in half

For the Smoky Paprika Cream

1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious poppers!

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for less heat. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes if you want to tame the spice.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-packed.

Wrap in Bacon

Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.

Bake

Place the wrapped jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.

Prepare the Cream

While the poppers bake, mix together the sour cream, smoked paprika, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl to create the smoky paprika cream.

Serve

Once the poppers are done, let them cool slightly before serving with the smoky paprika cream on the side.

Enjoy your tasty Jalapeno Poppers!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add some diced jalapenos into the cream mixture or use a sharper cheese.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These jalapeno poppers can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy days. After stuffing and wrapping them in bacon, place them on a lined baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and simplifies your cooking process on the day of your gathering.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked poppers for up to a month, then bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Serving Variations

While I love serving these jalapeno poppers with the smoky paprika cream, feel free to mix it up! You can experiment with different dipping sauces, like a zesty ranch or a tangy chipotle mayo for a unique flavor twist. Adding fresh lime zest to your dip can brighten it up and complement the jalapenos beautifully.

For a fun twist, try stuffing the jalapenos with other ingredients like crumbled blue cheese or sausage mixed with the cream cheese. This will give your poppers a gourmet flair. You can also serve them alongside a fresh garden salad to balance the dish; the coolness of the veggies will contrast nicely with the heat of the poppers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these poppers in advance?

Yes! You can stuff and wrap the jalapenos a few hours before baking. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I substitute for bacon?

You can use turkey bacon, or for a vegetarian option, try using tofu bacon or leave them unwrapped.

→ Can I make the smoky cream dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative for the cream dip.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for best results.