Thank you so much for being here! Whether you stumbled across this recipe in search of your next game-day appetizer, or you’re just in the mood for something bold, sweet, smoky, and spicy, you’re in for a treat. These Honey Garlic Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are anything but boring!! They pack an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that’ll have your guests hovering near the snack table.
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What Are Honey Garlic Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers?
These little poppers are handheld flavor bombs. Picture this: fresh jalapeños halved and hollowed, then filled with a creamy, cheesy stuffing studded with sweet honey garlic shrimp and crispy bacon bits. The whole thing gets baked until golden and gooey with just the right amount of kick.
This is not your typical jalapeño popper—no plain cream cheese filling here! We’re layering flavor: the sticky-sweet tang of honey garlic shrimp meets the smoky richness of bacon, all mellowed by creamy cheese and the gentle heat of roasted jalapeños.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, spicy, savory perfection all in one bite
Crowd-pleasing appetizer that doubles as a unique side dish
Versatile – serve warm or at room temp, and they’re still fabulous
Easy to prep ahead and bake right before serving
Low carb and gluten-free, without sacrificing flavor
What Do These Jalapeño Poppers Taste Like?
Honestly? They taste like the best parts of a shrimp boil, a barbecue, and a Tex-Mex night all rolled into one bite. The shrimp is tender and flavorful thanks to that sticky honey garlic glaze, while the bacon adds saltiness and crunch. Cream cheese and shredded cheese bring it all together in a smooth, rich filling that plays beautifully with the mild heat of roasted jalapeños.
Benefits of These Shrimp & Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
High in protein thanks to the shrimp and bacon
Naturally low-carb for those following keto or gluten-free diets
Great for entertaining – they look impressive but are simple to make
Customizable – dial up or down the spice depending on your guests
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these poppers to life:
10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved and deseeded
8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 ½ tsp minced garlic
½ tsp soy sauce
6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Mixing bowls
Skillet or sauté pan
Spoon or piping bag (for filling)
Knife and cutting board
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few swaps and upgrades you can make:
Make it spicier by leaving in some jalapeño seeds or adding a pinch of cayenne
Add freshness with chopped cilantro or parsley in the filling
Try different cheeses like pepper jack for more heat or mozzarella for a gooey pull
Use turkey bacon for a lighter version
Sub shrimp with crab for a coastal twist
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños
Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds and ribs. (Pro tip: wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice!)
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a small bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the shrimp. After 1 minute, pour in the honey garlic sauce and sauté until shrimp are pink and glazed—about 4-5 minutes total. Let cool, then chop into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, cooked shrimp, chopped bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Fill the Jalapeños
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half generously with the shrimp and cheese mixture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled jalapeños on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with extra green onions or a drizzle of honey if you want to be fancy. Serve warm or room temp—they’re amazing either way!
What to Serve with These Jalapeño Poppers
These poppers are rich and satisfying, so pair them with:
A crisp, cold beer or sparkling water
Fresh veggie sticks and ranch dip
A bright cucumber salad
A charcuterie board to round out your appetizer spread
Tips for the Best Jalapeño Poppers Ever
Use large, evenly-sized jalapeños for easier stuffing.
Soften cream cheese at room temp for easier mixing.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should just turn pink.
Bake on the middle rack so the cheese melts evenly without burning.
Want a smoky edge? Try throwing them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end!
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or use an air fryer for extra crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the stuffed jalapeños a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture of the cheese and jalapeños may change when thawed. They’re best fresh!
Are these very spicy?
Not too spicy! Removing the seeds and roasting the jalapeños tones down the heat. For extra kick, keep some seeds in.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, and they’re fantastic that way! Just grill over medium heat, indirect if possible, until the filling is hot and the peppers are softened—about 10–12 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—Honey Garlic Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers, the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as bold in flavor as it is easy to make. Whether you’re hosting game night, spicing up your dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, these poppers will deliver every single time.
Looking for more ways to use jalapeños or shrimp in appetizers? Try these next:
🔥 Creamy Corn & Jalapeño Dip
🧄 Garlic Butter Shrimp Toasts
🧀 Chorizo & Cheese Stuffed Peppers
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag your photos on Pinterest or drop a review below—your feedback means the world and helps others find new favorite recipes, too.
Nutrition Information (Per Popper, approx.)
Calories: 120
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Honey Garlic Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 poppers 1x
Description
These Honey Garlic Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers are sweet, spicy, savory flavor bombs loaded with shrimp, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese—perfect for game day or any party.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved and deseeded
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and ribs. Use gloves if needed.
- In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp for 1 minute. Add sauce and sauté until pink and glazed, 4–5 minutes. Let cool and chop.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, cooked shrimp, bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the shrimp-cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange jalapeños on a lined baking sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions or a drizzle of honey. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
To make ahead, prep stuffed jalapeños and refrigerate until ready to bake. For extra kick, leave some seeds in or add cayenne. Avoid freezing—best served fresh!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, shrimp appetizer, bacon stuffed peppers, game day snacks, spicy shrimp recipe