Keto Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers [Grilled, Air Fried, Or Baked]

These keto jalapeno poppers are stuffed with a mixture of Kite Hill almond cream cheese, Primal Kitchen mayo, wrapped with sugar free bacon and sprinkled with sugar free BBQ rub. They are THE perfect appetizer for parties and a tasty side dish to pair with a juicy steak or chicken breast. Grill or bake! You will love these jalapeno poppers so much that you might just make them every chance you can get!

Whether you are planning a summer BBQ or a New Years Eve party, jalapeno poppers are a guaranteed favorite for every occasion.

They are delicious. They are filling. And when made keto or paleo style, jalapeno poppers can even be reasonably healthy.

These keto jalapeno poppers are one of Ken and I’s favorite appetizers to make. First and foremost, they’re low carb and they taste incredible. Secondly, they are super easy to make. And finally, they are so versatile: sometimes we enjoy them as an appetizer, sometime as a side dish, and once, we even made them the main course for an event!

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Why This Keto Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Works

Jalapeno poppers are a classic American appetizer, beloved for their irresistible combination of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. Traditionally, they are jalapenos stuffed with a cheese mixture, often wrapped in bacon, and then either fried or baked. Their popularity skyrocketed in sports bars and casual restaurants because they are the perfect handheld bite to enjoy with a cold drink. They hit all the right notes for a satisfying snack, which is why they have remained a party favorite for decades.

When you move to a low carb or keto lifestyle, you quickly realize that many restaurant versions are off-limits due to breading. That’s where homemade Keto Jalapeno Poppers come to the rescue. This recipe strips them down to their delicious core, focusing on high-quality, keto-friendly ingredients that pack a punch. We keep the essential elements, creamy filling and crispy bacon, but we make them even better.

The real magic in this particular recipe is the addition of a sugar-free BBQ rub. This is my secret twist that takes these poppers from good to absolutely unforgettable. Sprinkling that smoky, savory rub over the bacon before baking or grilling creates a beautiful, caramelized crust. It adds a layer of complexity and a hint of barbecue flavor that perfectly complements the salty bacon, the rich filling, and the heat of the jalapeno. It’s that little extra something that makes your guests ask, “What is in these? They’re amazing!” It transforms a simple appetizer into something truly special without adding any carbs or sugar.

Ingredients for Keto Jalapeno Poppers

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. You don’t need a long shopping list to create an appetizer that will have everyone talking. Each component is chosen to deliver maximum flavor while keeping things perfectly low carb and keto friendly. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these incredible poppers.

A few notes on these ingredients. The star of the show, my special twist, is the sugar-free BBQ rub. This is where you can really play with the flavor profile. I love one with a base of smoked paprika, chili powder, and a touch of garlic and onion powder. Read the labels to ensure there are no hidden sugars. The quality of your bacon also makes a huge difference, so I recommend using a good, thick-cut bacon that will crisp up beautifully without becoming too brittle.

For the filling, I’ve used an almond-based cream cheese to make this accessible for my dairy-sensitive friends, but regular full-fat cream cheese works just as well. The mayo adds a wonderful creaminess and tang that balances the richness of the cheese. When it comes to the jalapenos, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and medium in size. They’re easier to handle and provide the perfect ratio of pepper to filling.

• 6 medium sized jalapenos
• 4 oz Kite Hill Almond Cream Cheese
• 2 tbsp Primal Kitchen Mayo (any flavor works, Chipotle is awesome)
• 6 slices of high quality bacon
• 1-2 tbsp of sugar free BBQ rub
• Fresh herbs such as chives or green onion, if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Keto Jalapeno Poppers

Making these Keto Jalapeno Poppers is so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the frozen kind. Just a few easy steps stand between you and appetizer perfection. I’ll walk you through the process, with a few of my tried-and-true tips to guarantee success every single time.

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapenos

First things first, let’s prep those peppers. A little word of advice, wear disposable gloves if you have them. The oils from the jalapenos can stay on your skin for hours, and you do not want to accidentally rub your eyes later. Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise, from the stem down to the tip. Keeping the stem on creates a neat little boat for our filling. Use a small paring knife or even a teaspoon to carefully scrape out the white membranes and seeds. This is where most of the heat lives, so removing it all will give you a flavorful but milder popper. Once they’re all cleaned out, give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat them dry.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a small bowl, combine your almond cream cheese and mayo. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you’re using fresh herbs like chives or green onions for a little extra freshness, this is the time to chop them finely and mix them in. I love the subtle oniony bite they add. Make sure everything is well combined so every popper gets a bit of that herby goodness.

Step 3: Stuff the Jalapenos

Now for the fun part. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeno half. I find that about two teaspoons per half is the perfect amount, but it will depend on the size of your peppers. Spread the filling evenly, creating a nice mound. If you have any extra filling after all the jalapenos are stuffed, feel free to add a little more to each one. Don’t be shy with it.

Step 4: Wrap in Bacon and Season

Take your six slices of bacon and slice them in half widthwise, giving you twelve shorter pieces. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around the middle of a stuffed jalapeno half. You want to center the jalapeno on the bacon slice and then fold the ends up and over the filling, tucking them slightly if needed. The bacon should hold itself in place. Once all the poppers are wrapped, place them on your baking sheet or grill pan and sprinkle the tops generously with your sugar-free BBQ rub. This is the key to that amazing flavor.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

You have two great options for cooking. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the poppers on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. If you’re grilling, set your grill up for indirect heat around 250°F. Place the poppers directly on the grates or on a grill pan and cook for 30-40 minutes. The lower, slower heat on the grill really renders the bacon fat and makes it unbelievably crisp. Once cooked, let them cool for about five minutes before serving. They will be incredibly hot.

How To Serve Keto Jalapeno Poppers

Once these gorgeous, bacon-wrapped beauties come out of the oven or off the grill, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down enough to eat. Their versatility is one of the things I love most about them. They fit in perfectly whether you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party or a casual backyard barbecue. They are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes.

I usually arrange them on a simple white platter to let the colors pop. A little sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or green onions on top adds a touch of green and a final burst of fresh flavor right before serving. They are fantastic all on their own, with the creamy filling and savory bacon providing all the flavor you need. You really don’t have to do much to make these Keto Jalapeno Poppers look impressive.

If you do want to offer a little something extra, a dipping sauce is a wonderful addition. Since the poppers already have a big, bold flavor from the BBQ rub, you’ll want a sauce that complements them without overpowering them. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• With a Cool Dip: Serve them alongside a bowl of keto-friendly ranch dressing or a simple sour cream and chive dip. The cool, creamy sauce is a perfect contrast to the heat of the jalapeno and the saltiness of the bacon.
• As a Side Dish: Don’t just think of these as an appetizer. They make an incredible side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or even a juicy burger. They add a spicy, savory element that can elevate a simple weeknight meal.
• On a Snack Board: Create an ultimate keto snack board by arranging the poppers with other low-carb favorites like cheese crisps, celery sticks, olives, and cured meats. It’s a fun and interactive way to serve them for a casual get-together.

No matter how you choose to serve them, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Just be prepared to share the recipe, because everyone is going to ask for it.

How To Store & Reuse Keto Jalapeno Poppers Leftovers

On the rare occasion that we have leftover Keto Jalapeno Poppers, I actually get a little excited. While they are certainly at their peak when they’re fresh and hot with crispy bacon, they are still absolutely delicious the next day. Storing them correctly is key to making sure they taste just as good when you reheat them. You want to preserve that wonderful texture as much as possible.

The first step is to let the poppers cool down completely to room temperature. Storing them while they’re still warm will create condensation in the container, which can make the bacon soggy. Once they are cool, you have a couple of options for storage depending on how soon you plan to eat them. Proper storage will keep them tasting great for days.

Reheating is simple, and with the right method, you can bring that crispy bacon right back to life. My preferred methods avoid the microwave, which tends to make the bacon soft and chewy. Here are my best tips for storing and reusing your delicious leftovers:

• Refrigerating: For short-term storage, place the cooled poppers in a single layer in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Stacking them can cause them to stick together.
• Reheating in the Oven or Air Fryer: The best way to reheat jalapeno poppers is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake them for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon has re-crisped. An air fryer works even faster, just a few minutes at 350°F will do the trick.
• Creative Leftover Ideas: Don’t just reheat and eat. Get creative! Chop up a few leftover poppers and stir them into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a spicy, cheesy breakfast. You can also dice them and sprinkle them over a salad or use them as a topping for a keto pizza. They add an amazing burst of flavor to almost any savory dish.

So don’t worry about making too big of a batch. These leftovers are a delicious problem to have and give you a head start on your next meal.

Substitutions & Variations For Keto Jalapeno Poppers

One of the best things about a simple recipe like this is how easy it is to adapt to your own tastes or what you happen to have in your kitchen. This Keto Jalapeno Poppers recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to put your own spin on it. These poppers are forgiving and welcome a little bit of creativity. Whether you need to accommodate a dietary preference or just want to try a new flavor combination, I have plenty of ideas for you.

The core components are the jalapeno, a creamy filling, and a bacon wrap, but there is so much room to play within that framework. You can easily adjust the spice level, make them cheesier, or introduce different savory elements. Just remember to use keto-friendly ingredients to keep things low carb.

Think about the flavors you love and how they might work here. A little bit of extra seasoning or a different type of cheese can completely change the character of these poppers. Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations to inspire you:

• Cheese Variations: If you are not dairy-free, feel free to use regular full-fat cream cheese. You can also add other cheeses to the filling for more flavor. A quarter cup of shredded sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda mixed in with the cream cheese is absolutely divine.
• Spice It Up or Down: To increase the heat, leave a few of the jalapeno seeds and membranes intact, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling. For a milder version, you could even try this recipe with mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos.
• Meat Swaps: While bacon is classic, you could also wrap these in thin slices of prosciutto for a different kind of salty, savory flavor. Prosciutto gets wonderfully crispy in the oven. You could also mix cooked, crumbled sausage or chorizo into the cream cheese filling for a heartier popper.
• Different Seasonings: The BBQ rub is my secret, but you can experiment with other seasonings. A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning would add a wonderful Louisiana flair. A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika also works beautifully if you don’t have a pre-made rub.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect version of this classic appetizer. Cooking should be fun, so play with your food.

Keto Jalapeno Poppers (Bacon Wrapped & Grilled)

Yield: 12 jalapenos / 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

These keto jalapeno poppers are stuffed with a mixture of Kite Hill almond cream cheese, Primal Kitchen mayo, wrapped with sugar free bacon and sprinkled with sugar free BBQ rub. A perfect appetizer for parties and a tasty side dish to pair with a juicy steak or chicken breast. You will love these jalapeno poppers so much that you might just make them every chance you can get!

Print

Ingredients

• 6 medium sized jalapenos
• 4 oz Kite Hill Almond Cream Cheese
• 2 tbsp Primal Kitchen Mayo (any flavor works, Chipotle is awesome)
• 6 slices of high quality bacon
• 1-2 tbsp of sugar free BBQ rub
• Fresh herbs such as chives or green onion, if desired

Instructions

1. Slice the jalapenos lengthwise. Remove the membranes and seeds (use a paring knife). Rinse in cold water. DO NOT remove the stem end.
2. Mix the cream cheese and may together. Mix in any desired herbs or green onions.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture into the jalapenos. Use about 2 tsp per jalapeno and add more to the jalapenos if any is leftover.
4. Slice the bacon in half width wise so you end up with 12 pieces of bacon.
5. Wrap each jalapeno with the bacon - center the jalapeno over the bacon and fold the ends of the bacon up.
6. Sprinkle the tops of the bacon wrapped jalapenos with desired amount of BBQ rub.
7. For Baking: Place on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet and bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes. For Grilling: place over indirect heat on a grill heated to 250 degrees (can place on a grill pan or directly on the grill). Grill for 30-40 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
8. Remove from the oven or the grill and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
9. Enjoy.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 3 jalapenos
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 216 Total Fat: 22g Saturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 25mg Sodium: 391mg Carbohydrates: 2g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 1g Protein: 4g

5 FAQs About Keto Jalapeno Poppers

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Keto Jalapeno Poppers recipe.

How do I control the spiciness of my keto jalapeno poppers?

This is probably the most frequent question I get, and it’s a great one because everyone’s tolerance for heat is different. The spiciness of a jalapeno pepper resides primarily in the white pithy membrane and the seeds. The green flesh of the pepper itself has flavor but very little heat. So, the key to controlling the spice level is all in how thoroughly you clean the pepper halves.

For a mild to medium heat, which is what most people prefer, you’ll want to be very diligent about scraping out every bit of that white membrane and all the seeds. I use the tip of a small spoon or a paring knife to get everything out. After scraping, I always give the pepper halves a good rinse under cold running water to wash away any remaining capsaicin oils. For a truly mild version, you can even soak the cleaned pepper halves in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes before stuffing them. If you and your guests love the heat, you can leave some of the membrane and a few seeds intact. The more you leave in, the spicier your final popper will be.

Can I make these keto jalapeno poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead appetizers, which makes party day so much less stressful. You can fully assemble the jalapeno poppers up to 24 hours in advance. Go through all the steps of cleaning the peppers, mixing the filling, stuffing them, and wrapping them in bacon. The only step you’ll skip is sprinkling on the BBQ rub.

Arrange the assembled, unbaked poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet or in an airtight container, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook them, simply take them out of the fridge, sprinkle them with the BBQ rub, and bake or grill according to the instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be starting from cold.

Why is my bacon not getting crispy on my keto jalapeno poppers?

Ah, the dreaded soggy bacon. There are a few common culprits here. The first is the type of bacon you’re using. I highly recommend using a regular-cut or thin-cut bacon rather than a thick-cut variety. While I love thick-cut bacon for breakfast, it can take much longer to render and crisp up when wrapped around a popper, often resulting in an undercooked pepper by the time the bacon is done. Regular bacon crisps up perfectly in the time it takes to cook the jalapeno.

Another key factor is your oven temperature. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. If the temperature is too low, the bacon fat will just slowly render and steam the bacon instead of crisping it. Finally, don’t overcrowd the pan. Leaving a little space between each popper allows hot air to circulate all around, which is essential for crispy bacon. If they are packed too tightly, they will steam. If you’re still having trouble, you can finish them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of cooking, but watch them closely so they don’t burn.

Are these keto jalapeno poppers dairy-free?

As written, this specific recipe is indeed dairy-free. I intentionally used Kite Hill Almond Cream Cheese and Primal Kitchen Mayo to create a version that my friends and family with dairy sensitivities could enjoy without missing out. Many people are surprised to learn that you can achieve that classic creamy, tangy filling without any dairy at all. The almond-based cream cheese provides the perfect texture and a mild, neutral base, while the avocado oil-based mayo adds richness and a bit of tang.

However, if you do not have a dairy sensitivity, you can certainly use traditional full-fat cream cheese. Just swap it in at a one-to-one ratio. The results will be just as delicious, with that classic dairy-rich flavor that everyone loves. This flexibility makes the recipe wonderful for serving a crowd with diverse dietary needs. Just be sure to let your guests know which version you’ve made.

What’s the best way to cook keto jalapeno poppers, baking or grilling?

This is like asking me to choose a favorite child. Both methods are fantastic and produce a delicious result, but they do offer slightly different experiences. Baking is often the most convenient and consistent method, especially if you’re making a large batch. It’s easy to control the temperature in an oven, and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes for incredibly easy cleanup. The bacon gets uniformly crispy and the filling gets hot and bubbly. It’s my go-to method for weeknight cooking or when the weather isn’t cooperating for grilling.

Grilling, on the other hand, adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that is simply irresistible, especially if you’re using a charcoal grill. Cooking them over indirect heat allows the bacon to get crispy without burning, and the gentle smoke infuses both the pepper and the bacon. It’s the perfect choice for a summer cookout when the grill is already fired up. I’d say if you have the time and the setup, grilling adds a special touch. But if you’re looking for ease and reliability, baking is a foolproof winner. You really can’t go wrong with either one.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors in these poppers, I have a few other recipes I know you’ll enjoy.

• Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers: Keep the jalapeno love going with these incredibly juicy burgers, packed with spicy peppers and sharp cheddar cheese.
• Roasted Jalapeno Chicken Chowder: A creamy, comforting chowder with a kick from roasted jalapenos that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
• More Savory Low Carb Recipes: Browse through my collection of other delicious and easy low-carb recipes that are perfect for any occasion.

I hope your family enjoys these recipes as much as mine does.