Keto Goat Cheese & Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy, Low-Carb Treat

There’s something special about stuffed jalapeño poppers. They’ve got the perfect mix of heat, creaminess, and crunch that makes them impossible to resist. Now, take that classic appetizer and give it a keto twist—rich, tangy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and zero breading. These little bites are packed with flavor, low in carbs, and so easy to make that you might find yourself making them over and over again.

This recipe is perfect for anyone on a keto diet or just looking for a healthier snack. You won’t miss the usual carb-heavy coating because the filling does all the work. The goat cheese melts just right, giving you that creamy texture, while the bacon and jalapeños bring the crunch and spice.

So, whether you’re hosting a game night, need a quick appetizer, or just want a snack that won’t mess up your carb count, these keto goat cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers are the way to go.

Why These Jalapeño Poppers Are Different

Most jalapeño poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, then coated in breadcrumbs before being fried. That’s great if you’re not worried about carbs, but if you’re on keto, that’s a no-go. Instead of the usual ingredients, this recipe swaps in goat cheese, which is lower in lactose and has a tangy bite that works perfectly with the heat of the peppers.

We also wrap them in bacon. Because let’s be honest—bacon makes everything better. It adds the perfect salty, crispy texture without the need for breading or frying. Plus, baking them instead of deep-frying keeps things simple and mess-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have everything ready:

• 10 fresh jalapeño peppers (medium-sized, firm, and bright green)
• 8 oz goat cheese (soft and spreadable)
• 4 oz cream cheese (for extra smoothness)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (optional, for a cheesier bite)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 10 slices of bacon (thin-cut works best for wrapping)
• Fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Wash the jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you love heat, leave some of the seeds in! Just remember, the more seeds you keep, the spicier they’ll be.
• Set the jalapeño halves aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Goat Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and shredded cheese.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and easy to spread.
3. Taste a tiny bit to adjust the seasoning. If you want extra spice, you can mix in a dash of cayenne pepper.

Step 3: Fill the Jalapeños

• Take a spoonful of the cheese mixture and fill each jalapeño half. Press the filling in slightly so it stays in place. Don’t overfill them, or the cheese might spill out while baking.
• If you want to add a little more texture, you can sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Wrap With Bacon

• Cut each bacon slice in half.
• Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half-slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much of the pepper as possible. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the bacon.
• Place the wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
• If you like extra crispy bacon, turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How To Serve These Jalapeño Poppers

These poppers are great on their own, but you can also serve them with dips like:

• Ranch dressing – The coolness balances the spice.
• Sour cream – Adds a little tang.
• Guacamole – The creaminess works well with the heat.

They’re perfect for parties, keto meal prep, or even as a side dish with grilled meats.

Tips For The Best Jalapeño Poppers

1. Choose The Right Jalapeños

• Pick medium-sized jalapeños for easier stuffing. If they’re too small, they won’t hold much filling. If they’re too big, they may take longer to cook.

2. Adjust The Heat

• Removing all seeds and membranes makes them milder. Leaving some in will give them a kick.

3. Use Thin-Cut Bacon

• Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and may not crisp up properly. Thin-cut works best.

4. Air Fryer Option

• If you prefer, you can cook these in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. This gives them an even crispier texture.

5. Make Ahead

• You can stuff and wrap the jalapeños ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold.

Why This Recipe Works For Keto

These jalapeño poppers are packed with fat and protein but have almost no carbs. Here’s why they fit perfectly into a keto diet:

• Goat Cheese & Cream Cheese → High in fat, low in carbs
• Bacon → Zero carbs, adds flavor and texture
• Jalapeños → Low in carbs, but high in vitamin C
• No Breading → Unlike traditional poppers, these won’t spike your blood sugar

Each popper comes out to about 1-2g net carbs, depending on the size of the jalapeños and the cheese used.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Add Protein – Mix some shredded chicken or crumbled sausage into the cheese filling.
• Go Spicier – Add chopped fresh chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Make It Extra Cheesy – Sprinkle parmesan on top for a crispy, golden crust.
• Add Some Herbs – Chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro give a fresh flavor.

Conclusion

These keto goat cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers are a perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and crispy. They’re easy to make, completely low-carb, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or meal prep, they’ll disappear fast.

So next time you’re craving something cheesy and flavorful, skip the chips and make a batch of these instead. You won’t regret it.

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