Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – A Bold, Low-Carb Snack

By Jason Miller – Chef & Keto BBQ Pitmaster

Zippy Introduction

Dive into our Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, a flavor-packed, low-carb snack that delivers a spicy kick with a smoky twist. These bacon-wrapped bites are also one of the easiest keto appetizers you can whip up for a BBQ. These bite-sized treats combine the heat of fresh jalapeños, a creamy cheese filling, and the irresistible crunch of bacon, making them the perfect indulgence for any keto BBQ enthusiast.

If you love bold BBQ flavors, you’ll also enjoy our Keto BBQ Loaded Nachos for another smoky, crowd-pleasing snack.

Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – A Bold, Low-Carb Snack

Servings

16 poppers (approximately)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20–25 minutes

Total Time

~40 minutes

A Personal Note

“Hey, I’m Jason! One warm summer evening, while hosting a relaxed backyard BBQ with friends, I wanted to create a snack that was as bold and satisfying as the grilled meats on the platter. I grabbed some fresh jalapeños, stuffed them with a creamy cheese blend, and wrapped them in crispy bacon. The result was these killer poppers that had everyone asking for seconds. They’re a simple, delicious way to bring a little extra kick to your keto snacking—no fuss, just real flavor. These poppers have since become a favorite at every get-together, reminding me that sometimes the simplest ideas make the best snacks.” – Jason Miller

Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

For the Jalapeño Poppers

8 fresh jalapeños
Halved lengthwise and seeded for a perfect balance of heat.
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Provides a rich, creamy filling to mellow the heat.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the bacon.
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut in half
Smoked to perfection for that irresistible BBQ taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste
For seasoning the filling.

Optional Add-In

1/4 tsp garlic powder
For an extra layer of savory flavor.

Wet Ingredients

Optional Mix-Ins

For the Jalapeño Poppers

8 fresh jalapeños
Halved lengthwise and seeded for a perfect balance of heat.
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Provides a rich, creamy filling to mellow the heat.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the bacon.
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut in half
Smoked to perfection for that irresistible BBQ taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste
For seasoning the filling.

Optional Add-In

1/4 tsp garlic powder
For an extra layer of savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Jalapeños:
Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds (or leave some seeds for extra heat if desired).
Make the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Fill the Jalapeños:
Spoon the cheese filling into each jalapeño half, ensuring a generous but tidy amount in each one.
Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a strip of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Bake:
Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers warm as a bold, flavorful snack. Perfect for backyard BBQs, game nights, or as low-carb party snacks everyone will rave about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Yes! Simply remove more or fewer seeds from the jalapeños depending on your heat preference. If you’re curious about the science behind pepper heat, check out the science of chile peppers.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: For the crispiest results, it’s best to serve them fresh. However, you can prepare the poppers in advance and reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that bacon crunch.

Q: Can I substitute the cheese?
A: Absolutely! Mix things up with a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist. Many keto cooks love experimenting with sharper or creamier varieties.

Curious about why keto recipes like this work so well?
Explore the proven health benefits of a ketogenic diet to understand how low-carb, high-fat snacks like these support your goals.

Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – A Bold, Low-Carb Snack

Servings

16 poppers (approximately)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20–25 minutes

Total Time

~40 minutes

Recipe Card

Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Servings: 16 poppers (approximately)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Ingredients

8 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cut in half
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C); line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Halve jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds as desired.
Mix cream cheese, cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Wrap each filled jalapeño with bacon; secure with toothpicks if needed.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy.
Serve warm.

Nutritional Highlights

Calories: ~80
Protein: ~4g
Net Carbs: ~1g
Fat: ~7g

Keto BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – A Bold, Low-Carb Snack

Bowl of crispy baked keto zucchini chips with marinara dipping sauce

Snacks & Desserts