Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp: Get ready to ignite your taste buds with a flavor explosion! Imagine succulent, juicy shrimp, embraced by crispy, smoky bacon, and then kicked up a notch with the fiery zest of jalapeno. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp are shrouded in delicious mystery, the concept of wrapping seafood in bacon has been around for ages, likely born from a desire to add richness and flavor to leaner proteins. The addition of jalapeno is a more modern twist, reflecting our love for bold and spicy flavors. Think of it as a culinary marriage between classic comfort food and contemporary zest!

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the shrimp contrasts beautifully with the salty, savory bacon, while the jalapeno provides a welcome heat that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, these little bites are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic as appetizers for parties, a delightful addition to tacos or salads, or even a satisfying snack on their own. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp are surprisingly easy to make, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 12 fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 12 slices bacon, cut in half
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: Your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping

Preparing the Jalapeno Poppers:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep those jalapenos. This is probably the most important step, because nobody wants a super spicy surprise. Trust me, I’ve been there!

1. Halve and Seed the Jalapenos: Carefully slice each jalapeno lengthwise. Now, grab a spoon (or wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice) and scoop out all the seeds and membranes. The membranes are where most of the heat resides, so be thorough! Rinse the jalapeno halves under cold water to remove any lingering seeds. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the cream cheese filling adhere better.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned spoon works just fine too. Just make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese left.
3. Fill the Jalapenos: Now comes the fun part! Using a spoon or a piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy! Pack it in there, but try not to overfill them so the filling doesn’t ooze out too much during cooking.

Preparing the Shrimp:

While the jalapenos are getting their spa treatment (aka, filled with deliciousness), let’s get the shrimp ready. Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and patted dry. This will help the bacon crisp up nicely.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are completely thawed if you’re using frozen shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that nice sear and preventing the bacon from steaming instead of crisping.

Wrapping and Assembling:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! This is where the magic happens. We’re going to wrap those cheesy jalapenos with shrimp and bacon. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!

1. Wrap the Shrimp with Jalapenos: Place one shrimp on top of the cream cheese filling in each jalapeno half. Gently press the shrimp into the filling to secure it.
2. Wrap with Bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around the jalapeno and shrimp, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to prevent it from shrinking too much during cooking. Repeat this process for all the jalapeno shrimp.

Cooking Process:

Now it’s time to cook these bad boys! You have a few options here: baking, grilling, or air frying. I’ll give you instructions for all three, so you can choose your favorite method.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the bacon from sticking.
3. Arrange Poppers: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked through. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest: Let the poppers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set up a bit.

Grilling Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
2. Prepare the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Poppers: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno shrimp on the grill grates.
4. Cook: Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the bacon from burning.
5. Rest: Let the poppers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if your air fryer requires preheating.
2. Arrange Poppers: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Air Fry: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked through.
4. Rest: Let the poppers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving:

And there you have it! Delicious, bacon-wrapped jalapeno shrimp poppers. These are perfect as an appetizer for parties, game day snacks, or even a light meal. I like to serve them with my favorite BBQ sauce for dipping, but they’re also amazing on their own.

Important Tip: Be careful when biting into these, as the cream cheese filling can be hot! Let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of smoky bacon, spicy jalapeno, and sweet, succulent shrimp is an explosion of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect appetizer for your next party, a delightful addition to a summer barbecue, or even a satisfying light meal. The ease of preparation makes it even more appealing – you can whip these up in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests or simply relax.

But the real magic lies in the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The crispy bacon provides a salty, savory foundation, while the jalapeno adds a welcome kick that’s balanced by the natural sweetness of the shrimp. It’s a culinary symphony that’s sure to impress!

Looking for serving suggestions? These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. A creamy avocado ranch would provide a cooling contrast to the spice, while a tangy honey mustard would complement the sweetness of the shrimp and bacon. For a more adventurous option, try a spicy mango salsa or a chipotle aioli.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! If you’re not a fan of jalapenos, you can substitute them with milder peppers like poblano or Anaheim. For a sweeter twist, try adding a small piece of pineapple alongside the shrimp and jalapeno before wrapping it in bacon. You could also experiment with different types of bacon – maple-flavored bacon would add a touch of sweetness, while peppered bacon would amplify the spice.

Serving Ideas:

• As an appetizer at your next gathering.
• As a flavorful addition to tacos or fajitas.
• Served over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Skewered and grilled for a fun and interactive barbecue experience.

Variation Ideas:

• Use different types of cheese, like cream cheese or pepper jack, inside the jalapeno.
• Add a sprinkle of brown sugar to the bacon before wrapping for a caramelized finish.
• Marinate the shrimp in lime juice and cilantro for a zesty flavor.
• Try using different types of peppers, such as serrano or habanero, for varying levels of heat.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. The key to success is using high-quality ingredients – fresh shrimp, thick-cut bacon, and vibrant jalapenos will make all the difference.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven or grill, and get ready to experience the incredible flavor of Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Did you make any substitutions? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking, and enjoy!

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