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Crispy Cream Cheese Hatch Chile Poppers Wrapped in Bacon

Crispy Cream Cheese Hatch Chile Poppers - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped poppers feature smoky Hatch chiles stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, perfect for game days and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized Hatch chiles, roasted, peeled, and deseeded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 12 slices bacon, thin to medium thickness
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: finely chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Roast and prep the Hatch chiles: char skin under broiler or grill for 10-15 minutes, steam covered for 10 minutes, peel skin, slice lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes. Pat dry.
  2. Prepare the cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Stuff each deseeded chile with the cheese mixture, filling generously but not overstuffing.
  4. Wrap each filled chile tightly with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  5. Pan-fry the poppers over medium heat, placing seam side down first to seal. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until bacon is crisp, about 12-15 minutes total. Drain on paper towels before serving.
  6. Optional baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place poppers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway, until bacon is crispy.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Use medium heat to ensure bacon crisps evenly without burning. Soften cream cheese well before mixing for smooth filling. Rest poppers a few minutes after cooking to let cheese set. Thin bacon crisps better and cooks through without overpowering the filling. Roasting chiles is key for authentic smoky flavor. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep bacon crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hatch chile poppers, bacon wrapped poppers, cream cheese poppers, game day snacks, appetizer, smoky poppers, easy recipe