Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🔥

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

Arrange an oven rack near the center of the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños 🌶️

Wash and thoroughly dry the jalapeños.

Slice each pepper in half lengthwise from stem to tip.

Using a small spoon, carefully scrape out the seeds and pale interior membranes.

For a milder appetizer, remove the membranes thoroughly.

For additional heat, you can leave a small amount of membrane inside some of the peppers.

Because chile oils can irritate your skin and eyes, wearing disposable food-safe gloves while preparing jalapeños is a good idea. Avoid touching your face or eyes and wash your hands and utensils thoroughly afterward.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon 🥓

Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and crisp.

Allow it to cool, then crumble or finely chop it.

You need approximately 1/2 cup cooked, finely crumbled bacon.

Smaller pieces distribute more evenly through the cream cheese filling.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling 🧀

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 2 sliced green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.

The finished mixture should be thick, creamy, and evenly speckled with bacon, cheese, green onions, and seasonings.

Step 5: Fill the Jalapeño Halves

Arrange the prepared jalapeño halves cut-side up.

Using a small spoon, generously fill each pepper with the cream cheese mixture.

You can also transfer the filling to a piping bag or sturdy zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.

Pipe the filling directly into each pepper for faster, cleaner assembly.

Fill each jalapeño generously without packing the cheese excessively high, since the filling will soften as it bakes.

Step 6: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the stuffed jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet with the filling facing upward.

Leave a little space between them so hot air can circulate.

If some peppers roll to the side, position them against neighboring peppers or use a baking dish that keeps them more stable.

Step 7: Bake 🌶️🔥

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes.

The jalapeños should become tender while still retaining enough structure to hold the filling.

The cheese mixture should be:

• Hot
• Creamy
• Melted
• Lightly golden around the edges

Step 8: Broil for Extra Browning

For a more golden surface, switch the oven to broil for approximately 1 to 2 minutes.

Watch the peppers continuously during this step.

Cheese can go from golden to burned very quickly under the broiler.

Remove them as soon as the filling develops the color you want.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve ✨

Remove the stuffed jalapeños from the oven and allow them to rest for several minutes.

The filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Serve warm with ranch dressing, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.