Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites

Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites are an easy appetizer recipe with a creamy, cheesy topping that has the classic flavors of a jalapeno popper baked onto crisp, cheesy crackers.

If you like these Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites, you have to try my Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups too! They have a similar jalapeno popper filling and will be a hit at your next party!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Enjoy the spicy and cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers in a bite-sized form with these Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites! Instead of making traditional jalapeno poppers, this recipe features crunchy Cheez-It crackers with a creamy and flavorful jalapeno mixture on top!

If you love jalapeno poppers but you don’t love the work of making them, these Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites will satisfy your deepest jalapeno popper cravings with minimal effort on your part!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• Cheez-It crackers- I used the BIG variety
• Cream cheese- softened
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Canned diced jalapenos- drained
• Bacon bits
• Cheddar cheese- shredded
• Fresh jalapenos- thinly sliced

These little bites are so popular because they’re a hassle-free version of jalapeno poppers that tastes just as delicious. There’s something so magical that happens when you bake cream cheese, diced jalapenos, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It’s a mouthwatering combination!

Jalapeno popper crackers are one of my favorite appetizers because they’re so easy to make without any stuffing jalapeno peppers or deep frying required! No more oozing cheese or bacon falling off jalapeno poppers. Instead, simply spoon your jalapeno popper filling onto crackers and bake!

A huge time saver in this recipe is using jarred and pre-diced peppers. If you like a spicier filling, you can definitely use fresh jalapeño peppers and dice them, but I prefer the jarred peppers. It’s easier, and they are much milder when it comes to the spice level as well. Diced green chilis can easily be substituted in place of the diced jalapenos as well!

How to make the best Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Fold in the drained jalapenos, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.
• Add 1 heaping tsp of the jalapeno popper mixture onto each Cheez-It, then top each one with a thin slice of fresh jalapeno.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes and enjoy!

These Cheez-It Jalapeno Popper Bites are one of my tried and true appetizers. They’re great for a tailgate, holiday dinner, or just as an easy appetizer! My friends and family go nuts for these, they especially love the little kick of spice at the end! And I love it because it’s super simple to make!

Zesty jalapeno popper crackers made with Cheez-It crackers make the perfect snack for your game day spread. They’re bite-sized with plenty of ‘kick, featuring a creamy, cheesy spread topped with a fresh jalapeño that takes less than 10 minutes to assemble.

My top tips:

• CRACKERS: Cheez-It crackers are great here because their cheesy flavor compliments the jalapeno popper flavors, but feel free to use original Ritz crackers, or Club crackers the same exact way!
• SOFTENED CREAM CHEESE: Letting your cream cheese soften is important for a smooth, lump-free filling. If you don’t have time to let your cream cheese soften on the counter, you can turn on your oven and set the cream cheese on top of the stove to softened in a matter of minutes.
• JALAPENOS: I usually use canned, diced jalapenos rather than fresh jalapenos in the filling because not only are they convenient, but they’re also softer than fresh jalapenos and don’t require any extra cook time to soften. If you don’t mind the crunch, you can use fresh jalapenos as well.
• BACON BITS: I like using store-bought bacon bits for ease and convenience, but you can also cook your own bacon until crispy, then chop it into tiny pieces if preferred. You’d need about 1 pound of bacon for this.
• CHEESE: I recommend shredding your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded at the grocery store. Shredding the cheese yourself allows it to melt better compared to pre-shredded cheese that usually has added starch to prevent clumping.
• TOPPING: It’s important to slice the fresh jalapenos very thinly before adding them on top of the crackers. If the slices are too thick, they won’t soften enough while baking.
• STORING: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in your air fryer or oven until warmed through. Do not use the microwave as that will make the crackers soggy and soft.

If your crew is anything like mine, then they simply can’t get enough of any recipe that calls for cream cheese or jalapeños. This creamy and spicy combo is always a fan favorite!

There’s honestly never a bad time to serve Jalapeño Popper Cheez-Its. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, friend or family gatherings, and even an afternoon snack. Plus, with the bacon, they tend to be a game-day hit at my house!

Looking for more simple appetizers? Try these out!

• Sausage and Cream Cheese Biscuit Bites
• Spinach and Cheese Puffs
• Taco Ranch Bites
• Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers
• Smoky Firecracker Cheez-Its
• Mini Cheese Ball Bites
• Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
• Pepperoni Crescent Rolls
• Bean and Cheese Taco Bites

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