If you're looking to elevate your hot dogs to the next level, this Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs recipe is the way to go. Combining the savory goodness of hot dogs with the creamy, spicy flavors of a jalapeño popper, this recipe is a perfect mix of indulgent, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Topped with crispy bacon, these hot dogs are a surefire hit for cookouts, game day, or any casual gathering.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make these irresistible Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs. Let’s get started!
What Are Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs?
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs combine the classic grilled or cooked hot dog with all the beloved flavors of a jalapeño popper—creamy cream cheese, spicy jalapeños, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. The result is an indulgent, flavor-packed hot dog that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little heat and a lot of bacon. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for BBQs, tailgating, or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients List for Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs:
For the Hot Dogs:
- 8 hot dogs: Use your favorite kind—beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based hot dogs all work.
- 8 hot dog buns: Use soft, bakery-style buns that will hold up to the toppings.
- 8 slices of bacon: Cooked until crispy.
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced: Adds heat and freshness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the creamy base for the jalapeño popper filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy goodness to the topping.
- 1 tablespoon sour cream: Helps loosen the cream cheese for spreading.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra flavor in the cream cheese spread.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the bacon and jalapeños.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
For Garnish (Optional):
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a fresh, crunchy topping.
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese: For a cheesy finish.
- Pickled jalapeños: For an extra spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences:
- Hot dogs: Use beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based hot dogs based on your dietary preference.
- Cheese options: You can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
- Jalapeños: Use fresh jalapeños for heat, or swap them for pickled jalapeños for a tangy, milder spice. You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce the heat.
- Bacon alternatives: For a healthier option, use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon.
- Add heat: If you want more spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs is easy, but following these steps carefully will ensure the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy flavors.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Make the jalapeño popper filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. Stir in the fresh jalapeño slices, reserving some slices for garnish.
Step 3: Grill or Cook the Hot Dogs
- Grill or cook the hot dogs: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Grill or cook the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and have nice grill marks or are browned evenly.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- Toast the buns: While the hot dogs are cooking, lightly toast the hot dog buns on the grill or in the oven until golden brown and slightly crispy. This helps the buns hold up to the toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Hot Dogs
- Assemble the hot dogs: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese-jalapeño mixture inside each toasted hot dog bun. Place a cooked hot dog inside each bun and top with crumbled bacon, extra jalapeño slices, and any additional toppings you prefer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately: Serve the hot dogs immediately, garnished with fresh green onions, extra shredded cheese, and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor, if desired.
How to Cook Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick guide to ensure your Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs turn out perfectly:
- Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy and set it aside to cool.
- Prepare the jalapeño popper filling: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and seasonings until smooth and creamy.
- Grill the hot dogs: Grill or cook the hot dogs until they are golden brown and have a nice char.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the buns to keep them from getting soggy.
- Assemble and top: Spread the cream cheese mixture on the buns, add the hot dogs, and top with crumbled bacon and garnishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes when making Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs:
- Overcooking the hot dogs: Don’t leave the hot dogs on the grill or stove for too long, as they can become dry. Cook them just until heated through with a slight char.
- Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Underseasoning the filling: Don’t forget to season the cream cheese mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the bun toasting: Toasting the buns is essential for keeping the hot dogs from becoming soggy, especially with the creamy jalapeño filling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs are assembled, here are a few tips for serving:
- Serve with chips or fries: Pair these hot dogs with classic sides like crispy fries or potato chips for a perfect game-day meal.
- Offer a toppings bar: Set up a toppings bar with extra jalapeños, sour cream, pickles, and hot sauce, allowing guests to customize their hot dogs.
- Slice for sharing: If you're serving these at a party, slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and secure them with toothpicks for easy eating.
How to Serve Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs
These Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs are great as the main attraction, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Party platter: Arrange the hot dogs on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs and extra bacon crumbles, for a striking presentation.
- Game day spread: Serve the hot dogs with a variety of other crowd-pleasers like sliders, wings, or nachos for a game-day feast.
- On the go: Wrap the hot dogs in parchment paper or foil for a portable option—perfect for picnics, tailgating, or cookouts.
Presentation Ideas for Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs
- Rustic serving: Serve the hot dogs in a wooden tray or basket lined with parchment paper for a casual, rustic feel.
- Individual plates: Plate each hot dog individually and garnish with chopped green onions, extra cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce for an elevated presentation.
- Serve with sides: Pair with a side of creamy coleslaw, a simple salad, or loaded fries to complement the spicy, creamy flavors of the hot dogs.
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and cook the bacon in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to use, then assemble the hot dogs right before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover hot dogs in the microwave or in a low oven (wrapped in foil) until warmed through. The buns might lose some crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Customizable heat: For more or less spice, adjust the number of jalapeños and whether you use fresh or pickled jalapeños. Removing the seeds will also make them less spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for this recipe?
Yes, turkey bacon
or plant-based bacon can be used if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian option.
2. How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños or use pickled jalapeños, which are milder. You can also add extra sour cream or cream cheese to tone down the spice.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based hot dogs and bacon for a vegetarian version, and the rest of the ingredients can remain the same.
4. Can I grill the jalapeños instead of adding them raw?
Absolutely! Grilling or roasting the jalapeños will mellow their heat and add a smoky flavor. Just slice them after grilling and add them to the hot dogs.
5. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can cook the hot dogs in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also toast the buns in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.
Conclusion
These Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs are a mouth-watering twist on the classic hot dog, combining the creaminess of jalapeño poppers with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon and grilled hot dogs. Perfect for backyard BBQs, game days, or any time you want to indulge in a fun and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a hot dog that’s packed with bold, delicious flavors. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these irresistible, bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper hot dogs!
PrintBacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs Recipe
These Bacon Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs are a bold and delicious twist on the classic. Loaded with cream cheese, crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and cheddar cheese, this recipe combines all the flavors of a jalapeño popper in a juicy grilled hot dog. Perfect for BBQs, game days, or any time you want a fun, flavorful meal with a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for toasting buns)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Grill the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and lightly charred.
- If desired, brush hot dog buns with melted butter and toast them on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture inside each bun.
- Place a grilled hot dog in each bun, then top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeño slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, creamy, and crispy flavors.
Notes
- For less heat, use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh, or remove the seeds from the fresh jalapeños.
- You can wrap the hot dogs in bacon and grill them for extra flavor and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hotdog
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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