Who’s ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser? These Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sliders are everything you love about creamy, cheesy jalapeño poppers… but in sandwich form!
They’re spicy, cheesy, gooey, and have just the right crunch. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or just because you’re craving something fun and flavorful.
Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, even if you’re new to cooking! Your family and friends will be fighting over the last one—trust me.
Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
- Slider buns (12-pack, Hawaiian rolls work great)
- Cooked bacon (8 slices, crispy)
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups)
- Jalapeños (3-4 fresh, sliced thinly)
- Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Onion powder (½ tsp)
- Butter (4 tbsp, melted)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Adjust the spice level: For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. Want it spicier? Use more jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.
- Make them crispy: Toast the slider buns slightly before assembling to keep them from getting soggy.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: It’s so much easier to mix and spread!
- Add a crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or panko crumbs on top of the sliders can add a fun, crispy topping.
- Let the kids help: They’ll love layering the cheese and bacon—just keep an eye on the jalapeños if they’re sensitive to spice.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Baking dish
- Butter brush
Substitutions & Variations
- No fresh jalapeños? Use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist!
- Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor.
- Bacon-free option: Sub in turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the sliders a few hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Bake fresh when ready to serve!
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
3. Assemble the Sliders
Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the bottom halves of the slider buns. Add a layer of crispy bacon and top with sliced jalapeños. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
4. Butter and Bake
Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—easy, cheesy, spicy jalapeño popper sliders that are guaranteed to be a hit! Perfect for any occasion, they’re simple enough to make any day feel special. If you give these a try, let me know how they turned out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions. I’d love to hear from you. 😊