Traditional jalapeno poppers kicked up a notch! These Cheez-It Crusted Bacon Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are perfect for game day or snack time!
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Hi friends! Happy Wednesday!
I know what you’re thinking – what the whaaa? Wednesday!? Lady, you are a day early. You post on Mondays and Thursdays.
Well, today is special and covered in cheesy goodness. So I’m posting on a different day… to keep things fresh and to keep you on your toes.
You’re welcome. 😉
If you follow college basketball, you know the month of March is all about the hoops.
And food. Because let’s face it, you can’t partake in game day shenanigans without good eats. And to me the food is just as important as any big game.
So before we get down to deliciousness, I have a couple tips on how to make your game day the ultimate, so your next shindig can be off the hook:
*Plan Ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to know exactly what you are making. A hostess with the mostess is locked on the menu, stocked up and ready to go.
*Make a menu that will please everyone. If you aren’t sure about your guest’s food preferences or allergies be sure to ask in advance. And always have something for everyone. I like to have at least a meat, chicken and vegetarian option, that way all my basis are covered.
*Game day food should be pop-tastic. Focus of foods that are one to two bites at most. This isn’t the time to be serving an elegant roast. 😉
*Always make the food readily available. Make sure you have a designated table for all your appetizers and snacks. You don’t want your guests to have to miss any of the game to get their grub on, so make sure the table is close (Preferably no more than a few feet away). You also don’t want to make your guests feel guilty by taking the last piece of anything, so make sure that table is fully stocked with goodies.
*Don’t forget the beverages. You should have a wide variety of beverages, from soda and water to beer, wine and possibly a house cocktail. Because while you may want to do keg stands, your guests may prefer to be sober. 
So now that we’ve covered a few tips on how to host a rockin’ party, let’s talk about one of the appetizers you should be serving at your next college basketball soiree.
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Cheez-It Crusted Bacon Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
You guys, these jalapenos are some next level poppers. They are covered in crunchy, spicy, cheesy Cheez-It Hot & Spicy Grooves and loaded to the gills with salty, crispy, pork-tastic bacon and three types of dreamy, creamy cheese.
These poppers are cheese overload in the very best way. Crisp Cheez-It crust; smoky, spicy jalapenos and gooey, oozing, bacon studded cheese.
Love at first bite, my friends.
Now that I have you drooling, I want to leave you guys with a quick couple notes before you go off on your marry, jalapeno-poppin’ way.
Tips for the best jalapeno poppers:
- I prefer for my jalapeno poppers to be seriously spicy, so I like to leave the ribs and some seeds in my jalapeno halves. If you prefer a milder popper remove all ribs and seeds.
- I left the stems on one half of the sliced jalapenos for appearances, this is optional. Feel free to remove it.
- I used a food processor to pulse the Cheez-Its into fine crumbs, but a you can also place them in a large Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin.
- To make less of a mess when coating your jalapeno poppers, use two hands. One hand for the dry ingredients (flour and Cheez-Its) and one for the wet ingredient (eggs).
- The poppers can be stuffed a day in advance, but do not coat them with flour, egg and Cheez-Its. Cover and refrigerate them until ready to use then proceed with coating and baking them.
So whether you are hosting a party for all things maddening in March, or a shindig completely unrelated to all things basketball, add these Jalapeno Poppers to your menu! I promise you guys are going to love them! Until next week friends, Cheers – to the big Cheez.
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
What creative dish will you make with Cheez-Its, the perfect game day snack?
Cheez-It Crusted Bacon Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 10 Jalapeno Peppers – stemmed, sliced lengthwise and seeds removed*
- 5 Slices Center Cut Bacon – cooked and crumbled
- 6 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 Cup Colby Cheese – shredded
- ½ Cup White Cheddar – shredded
- ¼ Cup Yellow Onion – minced
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Cumin
- ½ Tsp smoked Paprika
- 1 Cup Flour
- Salt and Pepper , to taste
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 TBS Milk
- 4 Cups Cheez-It Grooves Hot & Spicy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl mash together the bacon, cream cheese, Colby, white cheddar, onion, garlic powder, cumin and paprika. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stuff the jalapeno peppers and set aside.
- Crush the Cheez-Its: Add the Cheez-Its to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until crushed very fine. Or, place Cheez-Its in a large Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin until crushed very fine. Transfer to a bowl.
- In another bowl mix together flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and the milk; season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the Jalapenos*: Coat the stuffed jalapenos in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the crushed Cheez-Its. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining jalapenos.
- Bake the Jalapenos for 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned and cheese is just barely oozing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
*Use two hands when coating the jalapenos – one hand for the dry bowls (flour and Cheez-Its) and one hand for the wet bowl (eggs).
*Make Ahead: Jalapeno peppers can be stuffed a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until to use. When ready, coat the jalapenos with flour, eggs, Cheez-Its and bake. *Nutritional Information does not include Cheez-It crust.
Nutrition
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Lady…I NEED these!! Mmmmmmm!! Cheesy goodness with greasy bacon love and hot jalapenos!!? You’re killin’ me, woman! So SO good <3
These are SO creative, girl! I don’t follow basketball but I DO love all the snacks that come along with any sports games! Love these poppers! The cheez-its crust is so fun!
Omg I’ve never seen the cheez-its with grooves before. These appetizers are super creative and look amazingly tasty.
I would have never thought to use Cheez-It as a crust. Looks yummy! I love spicy foods so I would also prefer to leave a little bit of seeds in there. OMG, you added bacon…how can I resist?? DELICIOUS!
This is a fun and clever idea, Cheyanne. I bet they give an awesome cheesy crunch to the poppers! I’m not a big basketball person but I’m sure I could find some fun way to serve these. Have a great weekend!
Um, WOOOOOWW. I am totally speechless at seeing these! I never knew cheez its could be used for anything else other than binge eating while binge watching netflix (the double binge). These look soo crunchy! I will be honest that I probably couldn’t handles these at all. My mouth would go on fire and I’d have to drink like 5 glasses of milk before I regain consciousness cause girl I seriously can’t handle the heat!! 🙁 But seeing things like this just makes me wish I was normal and could enjoy spiciness like most people!
Cheez-Its are my all time favorite cracker. And don’t get me started on it’s wannabe Cheese Nibs cousin cracker. Not even in the same league! These look just over the top delicious and I’m loving these prep photos. Who needs March Madness for these – A hostess with the mostess indeed! Have great weekend.
Now that is something I have’t seen before. I bet they taste great!
I. NEED. THESE. NOW. <3 <3 <3
Did you know, it is almost impossible to find whole fresh jalapeños here in the UK. I have been wanting to make jalapeño poppers for ages, but I can’t! This post is just torture for me haha. They look amazing though!
I’m not a March Madness kind of gal but I plan to enjoy March Madness with these fantastic fiery Jalapeño peppers. All that cheese, all that heat, all that crunch—AMAZING!! It’s such clever idea to use a Cheez-It coating. I have to behave though…I’m a picker. I would be so tempted to pick and eat all the Cheez-its off these poppers first! 😉 Have a great weekend, Chey!!
THIS isn’t just cheezy goodness! Why this is all sorts of crunchy, flavor and texture packed goodness! Unreal Cheyanne! I’m not about basketball but I am ALL about EATS like this! YUM!
Give me all the cheese!!! And the bacon!! And the spice!!! I’m almost certain these are what I’ll find on heaven’s appetizer menu. YUM!
Ok, I’ve never met a jalapeño popper I didnt like. I could sit down and eat a whole plate of them as a meal. And for covering them in Cheez-Its I want to reach out and hug you! Wonderful!!
This is such a delicious and innovative idea, Cheyanne! Game day food Indeed should be pop-tastic.And these are just perfect. AWESOMELICIOUS.
You had me at cheeze its! Omg, I have never seen a jalapeño popper recipe I have wanted to eat so badly before. My spice level is pathetically low…haha
Ummm, YEAH! I’d say these poppers were “pop-tastic”! Super fun recipe. I can’t wait to try a gluten-free version for my kiddos! Thanks for a great recipe!
Guuuurl, just when I don’t think you can top yourself–ya go and do it. AGAIN! Where do I even start with this gloriousness? The Cheez-Its? The Jalapenos? The popper goodness? Chey, I must confess, I have a HUGE thing for jalapeno poppers. So. freaking good. But here you are taking one of my greatest loves in life and crusting it with that cheesy cracker lovin’? You are my hero.
Wednesday post: I was like, what?? There are like 10 million comments on this post already, is it Friday? SH**. lol. Thanks for the toe-stimulation. (Hmm…)
Alright, so I don’t know anything about March Madness, but I know sumthin’ sumthin’ about food madness (doesn’t have the same ring…) Love that you packed this post with awesome tips on bringing your A game to snack prep. You rock!
Have a great weekend, honey bun! xoxo
This recipe is genius! I have to, have to make these!!! Have a great weekend friend!! Xo
I am so on my toes now girl, and these crunchy poppers look INCREDIBLE!!! Love them. I could totally eat these as a meal. And bacon. You are so speaking my language. DELISH. Almost Friday, yay for us. Hope you and boy have an incredible weekend Cheyanne. XOXO
At first, I was like, those don’t look like Cheez-It’s?! OHMY GAWD, love the grooves!!!! and you are brilliant by the way! love these poppers and the Cheez-It Grooves Hot & Spicy!!!!!yummmm!!!
Jalapeno poppers used to be one of my favorite party foods back in college. This twist on the classic cream cheese stuffing looks delicious. Bring on the spice! #client
Whoa, you need to not change your posting schedule. It threw me! 🙂
Seriously, you must be the best hostess ever. I can’t think of a better one, with all those tips. And these poppers! Could they be any cooler?
Can I come to your house this weekend? With my team, Syracuse, still in…WOOTWOOT…and your delicious party food and ultimate party plan – it’s sure to be the BEST! These poppers are amazing! Love the cheez-it crunch! How do you think of these things, my friend? Have a great weekend! PS) You threw me off by posting on Wednesday! That’s good – keep your audience hopping! Cheers! xo
This is pretty genius. Cannot wait to make this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can pound down a whole box of cheez-its in one sitting. Yeah, it’s a special talent I possess and I’m pretty proud of it. If I saw a table with a huge platter of these poppers, then I would pound all of them down too! I like the fact that you leave in some of the ribs and seeds to make them spicier #thatsmygirl
I’ll have to go grab a few boxes of cheez-its and make these over the weekend. Supposed to snow a little and be super cold this Sunday so I’ll be cooking all day (crazy because it’s going to be 70 here tomorrow…dumb weather! ) 🙂
I should totally be into march madness (especially since two huge teams are right by me) but not so much lol But I’ll happily eat these poppers anyway! One of my really good friends lovessss cheese-its and now all I can think about is that I need to make these for her! Happy Wednesday friend!!
Can I just say wow? I love jalapeno poppers and these look SO crunchy and amazing! I love the filling and these would be great to munch during a basketball game (or just because naturally). 😉 Great use of those Cheez-It’s!
I’d be a little more invested in March madness if the team I picked in the basketball pool was still in the running. But love this filling and the coating with all that cheesy, salty, crunchy goodness !!! Moving on to hockey playoffs. Go Penguins! Some team I root for HAS to win at some point!! Thanks my dear for the post.
You know what Cheyanne, my bracket got busted on the very first day 🙁 Next hope is with the cricket match tomorrow between Indian and West Indies. I hope India wins, so we are in finals.
Your poppers look very delicious, and pretty easy to make. I will keep this in mind.
These are perfect for March madness! Such a creative idea, can’t wait to try them!
This is a whole new kind of jalepeno popper, girlfriend! I’m no fan of basketball, but these are totally party throwing worthy! I haven’t had a Cheez-it in forever and now want to go pound some with a rolling pin and make some snazzy poppers!
Lol, you do NOT need to like basketball to eat these jalapeno poppers, Rachelle! You should totally pound some Cheez-Its and make these poppers! Two-fer —> stress reliever and snazzy poppers to devour! 😉 Thanks for the comment, sweets! XO
Love the creative thinking on these. Spicy, crunchy, smoky, cheesy, what else do we need? I’m with you, I like that u kept the ribs and a few seeds in for added heat! Take care!
Thank you so much for the kind comment, Stacey! Woot Woot to leaving the seeds and ribs in them! Glad to know I’m not the only one who likes the heat! Cheers, friend!
i have been OBSESSED with jalapeño poppers for years and these take it to the next level! yes to bacon and all those gooey cheeses and crunchy topping. this is a must for march madness party for sure!
I am with you in your obsession with jalapeno poppers, Cathy! Means a lot that you approve of these then!! 🙂 Thanks so much for the kind comment, friend! Cheers!
OMG Cheyanne! You tricked me today! So glad you’ve brought us these tasty little treats for March Madness! I will be tuning into the NOVA game on Saturday and keeping my fingers crossed!! I will be down in Florida with Tom visiting my Mom and my sister and they will love these while we are all watching the game! Cheese-its are one of my favorite snacks! I LOVE the new Toasty ones too! Thanks for sharing and hope you’re having a great week.
Lol! Didn’t mean to trick you, Mary Ann… or did I? 😉 I hope you and Tom have a wonderful trip to FL!! Makes me miss my family and my home state! Cheez-Its are one of our favorite snacks too, and they make delicious “breadcrumbs”!! Thanks for the comment love, dear! Cheers!
I’m having trouble working myself up for March Madness, since my team (the Georgetown Hoyas) isn’t in it. Sniffle. But I am TOTALLY able to work myself up for a plate of these poppers full of cheesy goodness, so that I can drown my sorrows! Pinned! xo
Sorry your team isn’t in March Madness, Kate! But no need to watch any of the games to devour jalapeno poppers! 😉 Thanks for the comment and pin, dear! Cheers!! xo
Girl, this is HOT! And I love it! What a great game food. Except, I don’t usually watch any games… Can I make it so I can watch Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix? LOL Because I absolutely need these in my life!
Hahaha! Thanks, Olivia! I love that – HOT! 😉 You can and should totally make these for a marathon GA or Netflix viewing! Sports not required! Cheers, doll!
Soooo…can I come over to YOUR house for March Madness??! This poppers look SO good – I’m all about that ridiculously delicious looking cheez-it coating. Amazingness!
Your in London, so it’s more like can I come visit YOU!? 😉 Cheez-Its make a fabulous coating! Thanks so much for the comment love, Rachel! Cheers!
See, March Madness has never been a thing here in Canada, so I always forget about it! But I am all about poptastic food on any day and these look totally UN.REAL!
I had no clue March Madness wasn’t a thing in Canada.. thanks for the 411! 😉 But no need for sports as an excuse to make poptastic food! Thanks for the comment, Ashley! Cheers!
I don’t follow basketball and I tend to only watch Olympic sports on TV, but anytime someone has a sports party I ALWAYS chow down on all the food. The best appetizer spreads I’ve seen have always been at superbowl parties, etc.! I love that you use cheez its as a crust! I’m not sure if we have those in Canada but I definitely remember eating them in the states and they would make an awesome crust!
I love Olympic sports too, Katy! But I’m with you, if someone is having any kind of sports party, I’m there. Because FOOD! 😉 The Cheez-It crust is delicious on poppers!! Hopefully you can find them in Canada, because they make superb “breadcrumbs” when smashed to smithereens! Thanks for the comment love, girlfriend! Cheers!
I love jalapeno poppers and this cracker crumb topping looks like a perfect addition! I think these would disappear in a snap! Better make a double…or a triple batch! 🙂
Jalapeno Poppers are the best, right!? The Cheez-Its totally take them up a few notches! Thanks so much for the comment, Kathy! Cheers!
P.S. I recommend making a triple batch! 😉
I don’t do sports but I could eat these poppers all day long! They look so good!! Love the way you used Cheez-its as a coating!!
Hahaha! I am much more into the food than the sports too, Jen! Thanks for the comment, girlfriend! Cheers!!
I don’t follow basketball, but I’m all about the yummy bites that go along with the game watching festivities! I get excited for the super bowl, for example, just for the food, lol. These jalapeno poppers sound delish! Like you, I love things spicy so I would totally leave the seeds and ribs in the peppers too. And how can you go wrong with bacon and cheese? Winner winner, popper dinner 🙂
You certainly don’t have to follow basketball to love yummy bites! 😉 I’m more about the food for sure! Thanks for the comment love, Dawn! Cheers!
Those poppers sound tasty! I remember one time I was making some w a friend and she pulled the seeds out w her hands and was wondering why they were burning so much..haha
Lol, I use my bare hands to pull out the seeds, but one time I forgot to wash them and touched my eyes! OUCH for sure! Now I always remember to wash wash wash! 😉 Thanks for the comment girl!
So awesome! How can you go wrong with this combination of flavours? 🙂
One can never go wrong with cheese, bacon and a little spice! Thank you so much for the comment, Jennifer! Cheers!
My husband is all about March Madness (and just about every other sport, too), so we are always look for new game snacks! These jalapeno poppers are so creative! I love that you coated them with Cheez-its, because cheese makes everything better, right? Looks so fun to eat, too! Pinned!
Cheese definitely makes everything better, Gayle! Well, that and bacon. 😉 Thanks so much for the kind comment and Pin, friend! Cheers!
Ha ha. I’m posting on Wednesday this week too. Just keeping things interesting. Lol! These poppers are brilliant. The filling – oh my! And that crunchy Cheez-it coating! I’m swooning. Cheez-it’s are my favorite and this is such a fun and unique way to use them. Dang girl!
Yay to Wednesday twinning, Liz! Cheez-Its are so addictive on their own, but they make and excellent “breadcrumb” when smashed to smithereens! 😉 Thanks for the comment love, girlfriend! Cheers!
I want that bacon filling!! Not sure it would even make its way to the poppers if I made these :-))
Hahaha! Nothing wrong with eating just the bacon filling! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t eat a few huge spoonfuls! 😉 Thanks for the comment, dear! Cheers!
I don’t follow basketball as it’s not as popular here (Netherlands), but I’m going to have to find an excuse to make these soon! You’re a true genius, everytime you post something it’s a recipe I would have NEVER thought of. Keep up the good work girl!
The only excuse you need to make these is because your hungry! Basketball viewing totally not required! 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Vivian! Cheers, girlie!