Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups

Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups are quickly becoming a staple in our household, and for good reason! The first time I made these, I was looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a weekend get-together. Something a little different than the usual chips and dip, but still easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Let me tell you, these little bites were an absolute hit! The perfect balance of spicy jalapeño, creamy cheese, and savory bacon created a flavor explosion that had everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Even my kids, who are usually a bit hesitant with spicy food, couldn’t get enough. The slight heat from the jalapeño is beautifully tempered by the rich, cheesy filling, making it accessible for a wide range of palates. If you’re searching for a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly simple appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, look no further than these Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups. They are the perfect combination of comfort food and zesty excitement, making them ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to lively parties. Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients

• Fresh Jalapeños: (12-15 medium-sized) – These are the stars of the show! Choose jalapeños that are firm and have a vibrant green color. They provide the perfect vessel for our delicious filling and a delightful kick of spice.
• Cream Cheese: (8 ounces, softened) – The creamy base of our filling. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to ensure a smooth and easily spreadable consistency. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (1 cup, packed) – Adds a sharp and savory cheesy flavor that complements the cream cheese and jalapeños beautifully. Sharp cheddar is recommended for a bolder taste, but you can also use mild or medium cheddar depending on your preference. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
• Cooked Bacon: (6-8 slices, cooked and crumbled) – Bacon brings a smoky, salty, and irresistible savory element to the roll-ups. Cook your bacon until crispy and then crumble it into small pieces. You can use regular bacon or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or substitute with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Chopped Green Onions: (1/4 cup, finely chopped) – These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the filling and as a garnish. Make sure to finely chop the green onions so they distribute evenly throughout the filling.
• Paprika: (1 teaspoon) – Contributes a subtle smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the filling. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the savory flavor of the filling and adds a subtle garlicky note that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference, keeping in mind that bacon and cheese are already salty.
• Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground) – Adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor to the filling. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for the best flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and make transferring them easier.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños: Carefully wash the jalapeños and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, slice each jalapeño lengthwise in half. With a small spoon or your fingers (wear gloves!), scoop out the seeds and membranes from each jalapeño half. This step is crucial for controlling the heat level. Removing the seeds and membranes significantly reduces the spiciness. For a milder flavor, ensure you remove all traces of the membrane. If you prefer a spicier roll-up, you can leave some of the seeds and membrane intact, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to your liking.
4. Fill the Jalapeño Halves: Using a spoon or your fingers, generously fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Pack the filling firmly into the jalapeño halves, mounding it slightly on top. Don’t overfill them to the point where the filling will spill out during baking, but ensure each half is nicely filled for a satisfying bite.
5. Bake the Jalapeño Roll-Ups: Arrange the filled jalapeño halves on the prepared baking sheet. Place them cut-side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapeños are slightly softened and the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish the Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups with additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch and visual appeal. Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle and allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 2 roll-ups
Servings Per Recipe: 6 (approximately 12 roll-ups)

• Calories per serving: Approximately 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

These Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. The majority of the prep time is spent halving and seeding the jalapeños and mixing the filling. The baking time is relatively short, making this a great appetizer option when you are short on time but still want to impress. From start to finish, you can have these delicious roll-ups ready to serve in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick and flavorful snack.

How to Serve

These versatile Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion:

• As a Party Appetizer: These roll-ups are an ideal appetizer for parties and gatherings. Their bold flavor and easy-to-eat format make them a crowd-pleaser. Arrange them attractively on a platter and watch them disappear quickly.
• Game Day Snack: Perfect for game day! Serve them alongside other game day favorites like wings, sliders, and dips for a winning spread. Their spicy and savory flavor is a great complement to watching sports.
• Side Dish for BBQs: Add a spicy kick to your BBQ spread by serving these roll-ups as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, and salads, adding a flavorful contrast to the smoky flavors of the BBQ.
• With Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor experience by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider these delicious options:
  • Ranch Dressing: The cool and creamy ranch dressing provides a classic and refreshing contrast to the spicy roll-ups.
  • Salsa: A vibrant salsa adds a fresh and zesty element that complements the cheesy and spicy flavors.
  • Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a cool and rich dipping option that pairs beautifully with the jalapeños and cheese.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a cooling and tangy counterpoint to the spiciness.
  • Spicy Mayo: For those who love extra spice, a spicy mayo made with sriracha or chipotle peppers will kick up the heat even further.
• Garnish Ideas: Enhance the presentation and flavor with these garnishes:
  • Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
  • Extra Green Onions: Sprinkle more chopped green onions for an extra layer of fresh onion flavor and visual appeal.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who want to amp up the heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a fiery kick.
• Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve these Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups warm, ideally right after they come out of the oven. This ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, and the jalapeños are tender.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups

1. Wear Gloves When Handling Jalapeños: Jalapeños contain capsaicin, the compound that makes them spicy. It’s advisable to wear disposable gloves when halving and seeding jalapeños to avoid skin irritation and accidentally transferring the spicy oils to your eyes or other sensitive areas. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling the jalapeños, avoiding touching your face.
2. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference: The heat level of jalapeños can vary. To control the spiciness of your roll-ups, carefully remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño halves, as these are the spiciest parts. For a milder flavor, you can even soak the halved jalapeños in cold water for about 30 minutes before filling them. If you prefer a spicier roll-up, leave some seeds and membranes intact, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling. You can also use hotter varieties of peppers like serrano or habanero for a significant increase in heat, but be mindful of their intensity.
3. Don’t Overfill the Jalapeño Halves: While it’s tempting to pack the jalapeño halves with a generous amount of filling, avoid overfilling them. Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during baking, resulting in a messy baking sheet and less attractive roll-ups. Fill them generously but leave a little space at the top to prevent spillage.
4. Bake Until Golden Brown and Bubbly: Bake the roll-ups until the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. This indicates that they are cooked through and the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. The jalapeños should be slightly softened but still hold their shape. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the jalapeños too soft and the cheese dry.
5. Experiment with Different Cheese Combinations: While cheddar and cream cheese are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties to create different flavor profiles. Consider adding:
   • Monterey Jack Cheese: For a mild and creamy melt.
   • Pepper Jack Cheese: For an extra kick of spice.
   • Gouda Cheese: For a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
   • Mozzarella Cheese: For a mild and stretchy cheese pull.
   • Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can be added to the filling for a salty and savory depth.
     Combining different cheeses can create a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
6. Add Different Fillings for Variety: Get creative with your fillings! While the classic cream cheese and bacon filling is delicious, you can explore other flavor combinations. Consider adding:
   • Chorizo or Italian Sausage: Cooked and crumbled chorizo or Italian sausage adds a spicy and savory meat element.
   • Shredded Chicken or Ground Beef: For a heartier filling, add cooked and shredded chicken or browned ground beef.
   • Black Beans and Corn: For a vegetarian and Southwestern-inspired filling.
   • Sun-dried Tomatoes and Spinach: For a Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian option.
   • Crab or Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add cooked crab meat or chopped shrimp.
7. Make Ahead and Bake Later: These roll-ups can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for party planning. You can prepare the filling, stuff the jalapeños, and arrange them on a baking sheet up to several hours before baking. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. This is a great way to save time and stress when entertaining.
8. Serve Immediately for Best Texture: For the absolute best texture and flavor, serve these Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups immediately after they come out of the oven. The cheese will be at its meltiest and gooiest, and the jalapeños will be perfectly tender. While they are still delicious when cooled slightly, they are at their peak when served warm and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare these roll-ups ahead of time. You can stuff the jalapeños with the filling and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time-saving tip for parties or gatherings. When you are ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge and bake as directed.

Q2: How spicy are these roll-ups?
A: The spiciness of these roll-ups is generally considered to be moderately spicy, but it can be adjusted to your preference. Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños significantly reduces the heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, ensure you remove all traces of seeds and membranes. For a spicier roll-up, you can leave some seeds and membranes intact or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.

Q3: Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to customize the flavor. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gouda, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese are all excellent options. You can use a single type of cheese or a blend of your favorites to create a unique flavor profile.

Q4: Can I freeze Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups after they are baked?
A: Freezing baked jalapeño roll-ups is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese filling and jalapeños may change upon thawing. The texture can become somewhat grainy and watery. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or prepare them ahead of time and bake them just before serving for the best quality.

Q5: What are some good dipping sauces to serve with these roll-ups?
A: There are many delicious dipping sauces that pair well with Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups. Some popular choices include ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, Greek yogurt, and spicy mayo. Choose your favorite dipping sauce or offer a variety for your guests to choose from.

Q6: How should I store leftover Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups?
A: Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker option, or even microwave them, although microwaving may slightly alter the texture.

Q7: Can I make these roll-ups vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make these roll-ups vegetarian by omitting the bacon. To maintain the savory flavor, you can add other ingredients like finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to the filling. You can also use vegetarian bacon alternatives if desired.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups to retain their crispiness?
A: The best way to reheat Baked Jalapeño Roll-Ups and retain some crispiness is to use an oven or an air fryer. Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes will help crisp them up slightly. An air fryer is even better for reheating and crisping; air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning. Microwaving will reheat them quickly but will result in a softer texture.

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