Looking for a mouthwatering keto appetizer that’s equal parts smoky, cheesy, and crispy? These Keto Bacon-Wrapped Pimento Cheese Poppers check all the boxes. They’re the ultimate low-carb party snack, game day hit, or weeknight indulgence—without the guilt.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make these irresistible bites, explain why they fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle, and share some tips to make them even better. Get ready to make these on repeat!
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🧀 What Are Pimento Cheese Poppers?
Think jalapeño poppers—but better. These poppers feature spicy jalapeño halves stuffed with creamy, tangy pimento cheese and wrapped in savory bacon. Then they’re baked until crispy and golden.
They deliver everything you love about a rich, flavorful appetizer, while keeping your macros totally keto.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 10 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup pimento cheese (homemade or store-bought keto-friendly)
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or ranch seasoning for extra flavor
Note: Make sure your pimento cheese has no added sugars or weird fillers.
Related: Learn how I won my family over to the keto lifestyle!
***scroll down for the printable recipe
Homemade Pimento Cheese!
To make homemade pimento cheese, you’ll need Pimento peppers, cream cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, and of course, cheddar cheese!
Start by mixing the cream cheese and mayonnaise together in a medium bowl. Then, add the hot sauce, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika and stir to blend.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir the mixture again. And finally, fold in the diced pimento peppers.
How to Make the Pimento Cheese Poppers!
To make the poppers, begin with slicing the jalapenos lengthwise and removing the seeds and white membranes. (unless you like it spicy, in which case you should leave the white membrane)
Spoon or pipe pimento cheese spread into each of the halved jalapeño boats.
Slice the bacon length-wise to make thin strips and wrap them around each of the poppers.
Finally Bake the poppers at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crisped to your liking.
These are best served immediately, but can be eaten as leftovers too! Oftentimes, my husband will grab a cold jalapeño popper out of the refrigerator and “pop” it in his mouth. (see what I did there??)
Why These Are Perfect for a Keto Diet
Each popper is:
- Low in carbs
- High in fat and flavor
- Protein-rich
- Naturally gluten-free
Macros per popper (approx.):
- Calories: 140
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
Check your pimento cheese label and bacon brand for exact macros.
🔥 Tips for Even Better Bacon-Wrapped Poppers
- Use thinner bacon for quicker crisping or partially cook thick-cut bacon first
- Want a smoky kick? Add a sprinkle of chipotle powder (here is my FAVORITE sugar free and keto friendly chipotle powder!)
- Turn these into a meal: serve alongside a leafy green salad or roasted veggies
🧂 Recipe Variations
- No dairy? Try stuffing with dairy-free cream cheese and chopped olives
- Not spicy? Use mini bell peppers instead of jalapeños
- More protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken to your cheese mixture
📌 More Keto Appetizers You’ll Love
🧠 FAQs About Keto Bacon-Wrapped Pimento Cheese Poppers
Q: Are these spicy?
A: Jalapeños have a mild-to-medium heat. Remove all seeds and membranes to tone it down, or use mini sweet peppers as a swap.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: They freeze well—just bake, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
💬 Final Thoughts
These Keto Bacon-Wrapped Pimento Cheese Poppers are bold, addictive, and so easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving something savory and satisfying—they’re a total win.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe or share it with a fellow keto foodie!
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Keto Bacon-Wrapped Pimento Cheese Poppers
Add a southern flair to your jalapeno poppers by using pimento cheese instead of cream cheese!
Ingredients
For the Pimento Cheese:
- 1/4 cup pimento peppers, diced
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoke paprika
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Additional Ingredients for the Poppers:
- 12 jalapeños
- 12 slices of bacon
Instructions
To make the Pimento Cheese:
- Put the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a medium bowl and stir until fully combined, using a hand-mixer if needed.
- Add the hot sauce, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoke paprika and stir to blend.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir again.
- Fold in the diced pimento peppers, and set aside.
To make the Poppers:
- Preheat the oven to 400 Degrees F
- Slice the jalapeños in half length-wise and remove the seeds and membrane.
- Spoon or pipe the pimento cheese into the jalapenos
- Slice the bacon length-wise, creating 24 bacon strands.
- Wrap the bacon strands around each jalapeño with pimento cheese, and set on a baking sheet with a cooking rack.
- (the cooking rack will allow the heated oven air to circulate around the entire popper, crisping the bacon all around.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisped to your liking.
- Best served immediately, but can be eaten as left overs.
Notes
The nutrition information is auto-generated and can vary by product brands.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 3 poppersAmount Per Serving: Calories: 378.15Total Fat: 34.94gSaturated Fat: 13.5gSodium: 546.66mgCarbohydrates: 2.89gFiber: 0.71gSugar: 1.73gProtein: 12.98g
