Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Bites

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These cheesy bacon jalapeno bites combine flaky dough with a creamy, spicy filling of cream cheese, crispy bacon, and jalapenos. Topped with melty white cheddar and brushed with garlic butter, they offer a perfect balance of crunchy and savory flavors. Ideal for parties or casual snacking, they can be prepped ahead or frozen for convenience. Adjust the spice by removing jalapeno seeds or swapping peppers to fit your taste. Best served warm straight from the oven for that irresistible fresh-baked crunch and rich aroma.

A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 23:00:34 GMT
A plate of cheesy bacon bites. Bookmark
A plate of cheesy bacon bites. | tinycakee.com

Flaky dough wraps around a creamy, cheesy bacon and jalapeño filling, finished with a garlicky butter glaze to create irresistible bite sized snacks. These cheesy party bites have become my favorite go to for gatherings because they deliver a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and buttery flavors that everyone loves. They look impressive but come together quickly, making hosting stress free and delicious.

The first time I made these was for a game day, and now friends request them at every party because they are just that addictive

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough: provides the flaky, tender base using store bought tubes saves time and ensures consistency
  • Cream cheese: softened for smooth filling and rich creaminess
  • Bacon: crisped to add smoky crunch and savory depth
  • Red onion: adds bright color and a mild sharpness to cut through the richness
  • Jalapeño: brings the perfect kick of heat choose firm, glossy peppers for freshness
  • White cheddar: melts beautifully on top giving a golden cheesy finish
  • Garlic butter: brushed on after baking to infuse irresistible aroma and extra buttery flavor use good quality butter for best results

Instructions

Prep the dough:
Unroll two tubes of pizza dough. Stack the sheets and gently flatten by pressing and rolling in smaller chunks to keep the dough manageable and even. This layering helps create a nice flaky texture after baking
Make the filling:
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with crispy bacon pieces, diced red onion, and finely chopped jalapeño until well combined. This blend balances creaminess with a savory and spicy punch
Assemble and twist:
Spread the filling evenly over the layered dough. Fold the dough over the filling and cut into bite sized strips. Take each strip and twist it gently to expose the swirls of filling and dough
Add the cheese:
Sprinkle shredded white cheddar over the twisted pieces. The cheese melts and browns to create a lovely topping that adds richness and visual appeal
Bake until golden:
Arrange the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake in a preheated oven. Watch for a golden crust and bubbling cheese, usually about 20 to 25 minutes depending on your oven
Brush garlic butter:
Once out of the oven, let the twists cool slightly then brush generously with warm garlic butter. This final touch elevates the flavor and adds a glossy sheen
A plate of cheesy party bites.
A plate of cheesy party bites. | tinycakee.com

The white cheddar is my favorite part. It melts into gooey pockets that complement the crunchy bacon beautifully. I remember a holiday party when these vanished from the platter in minutes as everyone kept going back for one more

Storage Tips

Store cooled cheesy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to bring back the crunch and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving unless in a hurry as it can make the crust soft

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream cheese can be swapped for a ricotta and cheddar blend for a lighter filling. Use pepper jack instead of white cheddar for an extra spicy kick. Turkey bacon works well for a slightly leaner option without sacrificing flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bites alongside fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping. Pair with a crisp light beer or sparkling water with lime for a refreshing balance. They also make a fun appetizer for brunch with mimosas and fresh fruit

Cheesy party bites with bacon and green onions.
Cheesy party bites with bacon and green onions. | tinycakee.com

These cheesy party bites are easy to make ahead and always disappear fast, making them perfect for gatherings. A quick brush of garlic butter after baking takes them from great to unforgettable.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why stack the dough layers?

Stacking keeps the dough tougher and more uniform, making it easier to handle and bake evenly for a flaky texture.

→ Can I prepare these bites in advance?

Yes, assemble and chill them before baking. Bake just before serving to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

→ How spicy are these bites?

The spice level is mild if jalapeno seeds are removed. For more heat, keep seeds or use hotter peppers like serranos.

→ Why brush with garlic butter after baking?

Brushing cooled bites with garlic butter helps keep layers intact while adding rich flavor and a beautiful sheen.

→ Are these bites freezer-friendly?

They freeze well after baking. Reheat them and add fresh garlic butter to refresh their flavor and texture.

Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Bites

Flaky dough pockets filled with creamy cheese, bacon, and jalapeno, glazed in garlic butter delight.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Requires Moderate Experience

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 12 Portion Count (12 snack-sized twists)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Dough

01 2 tubes pizza dough (approximately 226 grams each)

→ Filling

02 225 grams cream cheese, softened
03 150 grams crispy cooked bacon, chopped
04 1 large jalapeño pepper, finely diced
05 50 grams red onion, finely chopped

→ Topping

06 100 grams white cheddar cheese, shredded
07 30 grams unsalted butter, melted with 1 clove garlic, minced (garlic butter glaze)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Unroll the pizza dough tubes and layer the sheets on top of each other, pressing gently to combine. Flatten the stacked dough with a rolling pin in manageable portions for ease of handling.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped bacon, diced jalapeño, and finely chopped red onion until evenly incorporated.

Step 03

Spread the filling mixture evenly over the stacked dough. Fold the dough over the filling and then cut into individual portions. Twist each portion to create the characteristic shape.

Step 04

Sprinkle shredded white cheddar cheese generously over the twisted dough pieces to enhance flavor and create a melty topping.

Step 05

Place the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.

Step 06

Allow the twists to cool slightly for a few minutes. Brush the melted garlic butter evenly over each piece to finish with a rich, aromatic glaze.

Helpful Hints

  1. For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño. To intensify the spice, retain seeds or substitute serrano peppers.
  2. Assemble in advance and refrigerate, baking just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
  3. These twists freeze well after baking; reheat in the oven with added butter for best results.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Oven
  • Rolling pin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and gluten
  • Contains egg (in pizza dough, depending on brand)

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 20.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
  • Proteins: 7.8 g