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Jalapeño Popper Thumbprint Bites – Easy Cheesy Bacon Appetizer Recipe

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These Jalapeño Popper Thumbprint Bites are a quick, cheesy, bacon-packed appetizer with a creamy jalapeño center and a sweet chili glaze. Perfect for parties, game days, or family snacks, they deliver all the popper flavor with none of the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2–3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional)
  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Fresh cilantro or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Lay bacon slices flat on the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Cool and chop finely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cheddar, 4 oz cream cheese, melted butter, and egg. Beat with a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  4. Add flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour.
  5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
  6. Use your thumb or a small spoon to press a well into each ball.
  7. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup cream cheese, diced jalapeños, mozzarella, and green onion until smooth.
  8. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of jalapeño filling into each well.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and cheese filling is bubbling.
  10. While baking, mix sweet chili sauce and honey in a small bowl.
  11. As soon as bites come out of the oven, brush each with glaze and sprinkle chopped bacon over the top.
  12. Let bites cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack or platter. Garnish with cilantro or chives if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or roasted red pepper. Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired spice level. Dough can be chilled if too soft. Bites can be made ahead, stored, and reheated. Air fryer method: cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper, appetizer, cheesy bites, bacon, party food, finger food, easy recipe, game day, spicy, sweet chili glaze

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/jalapeno-popper-thumbprint-bites-easy-cheesy-bacon-appetizer-recipe/