Keto Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage

Keto Jalapeno Poppers with Sausage are the ultimate low carb recipe for a game day appetizer. Usually Jalapeno Poppers are breaded and fried, but this easy recipe can be made without breading.

Yes, football season is in full swing! If you’re a keto eater, you can still eat your favorite game day snacks and appetizer cuisine without feeling guilty about it.

This recipe for keto Jalapeno poppers will make the perfect appetizer to have while watching your team play this Sunday.

You’ll love these spicy bites of deliciousness and they’re also low carb and gluten free!

My peppery jalapenos have been stuffed with browned sausage and plenty of cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, sprinkled with a sweet brown sugar substitute and then baked until bubbly.

They are a perfect blend of spicy, crunchy and creamy. All that flavorful goodness packed into an absolute crowd pleaser.

I’m sure after you try them, they will become one of your favorite low carb recipes too.

What kind of bacon should I use?

I usually prefer using thick cut bacon for just about everything, but this is one recipe where you will want to stick with the regular thin sliced bacon.

Using thick cut bacon may lengthen the cooking time needed and also end up chewy or softer than desired.

So stick with the regular bacon, but do go for the center cut so you have more meat and less fat to work with.

Can I air fry jalapeno poppers?

Yes, you can make air fryer jalapeno poppers. It’s actually one of my favorite ways to make them because it takes less time and they tend to cook more evenly.

Not only is the air fryer faster, but it also gives the bacon a nice crispy texture.

How to make air fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Place your prepared bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers into your air fryer in a single layer.

This is important – you do not want them to touch or else the bacon may not cooking evenly.

Air fry at 350 degrees for about 14-16 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked to desired doneness.

Keep in mind that every air fryer is different and that some cook hotter than others.

If you notice the jalapenos are browning too fast, try reducing the heat by 20 degrees.

How do I store baked jalapeno poppers?

Most likely you won’t have leftovers to store, but if you do, I recommend putting them in an air tight container.

They can be stored in fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven (or toaster oven) at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes, or until warm throughout.

Resist the urge to use the microwave!

Can jalapeno poppers be frozen after baking?

Yes, you can freeze jalapeno poppers. For the best results, freeze them individually in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

From there, you can move them into an an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. 

They can keep up to 9 months in the freezer.

How do you reheat frozen jalapeno poppers?

To reheat frozen Jalapeño poppers, prepare a parchment paper lined baking sheet with some olive oil.

Place the frozen poppers in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake at 385 degrees for about 10-15 minutes.

Check to see if they have been warmed through and if not, you can try flipping them over carefully and returning to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

I find that I can also use my toaster oven on the “air fry” setting at 350 for a quick and more even reheat.

Are jalapeno poppers spicy?

Jalapeño poppers are usually not very spicy. A lot of the heat that lives within peppers are in the seeds and membranes.

Since you scrape those out in the beginning, you are removing pretty much all the spiciness.

The cream cheese filling also helps reduce the pepper’s spice.

Personally, I like things super spicy so I will actually scoop out the seeds, but instead of tossing them, I mix them right back into the sausage and cream cheese mix.

If you really like spicy foods, you can try making these with serrano peppers instead of jalapenos!

If you would like a cheesier version, sprinkle some of your favorite shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar cheese on over the cream cheese mixture.

More low carb and easy keto recipes to try

I have a few more delicious recipes to share with you that have low net carbs.

How to make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

These low carb jalapeno poppers are a classic party appetizer or can also be used as a dinner side dish recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage, mild or spicy
• 12 oz cream cheese
• 12 Jalapeno peppers
• 12 strips bacon, center cut
• 2-3 tbsp brown sugar substitute (I prefer Swerve)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Brown sausage in a pan over medium high heat. Drain the fat. 

3. Add cream cheese to the sausage. Stir until well blended and cheese is melted. Set aside. 

4. Remove the stems from each jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise down the center. Remove seeds using gloves or a small spoon.

5. Slice bacon in half so you now have 24 pieces. You will use these to wrap each jalapeno popper.

6. Scoop the sausage and cream cheese mixture into each of the jalapeno halves using a small spoon.

7. Tightly wrap each jalapeno popper with one slice of the halved bacon and place on a rimmed baking sheet. You should be able to fit two rows of 12 on one sheet. 

8. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the poppers, concentrating on the bacon.

9. Bake at 375 degree for 45-55 minutes. You want the jalapenos to soften and the bacon to brown and crisp.

10. Serve warm!