Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you want extra crispy bacon, place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. Put on kitchen gloves to protect your hands from jalapeño oils (this is important!).

Step 2: Prepare Jalapeños
Wash jalapeños and pat dry. Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise from stem to tip. Using a small spoon or knife, carefully scrape out all seeds and white membranes (this is where most of the heat is – remove more for milder poppers, leave some for spicier). Rinse jalapeño halves and pat completely dry.

Step 3: Make Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and chopped green onions (if using). Mix with a fork or spoon until thoroughly combined and smooth. The mixture should be creamy and easy to spread.

Step 4: Stuff Jalapeños
Using a spoon or your fingers, fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, mounding it slightly (it will shrink during cooking). Don’t be shy – fill them full! You can also use a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off for neater filling.

Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
Cut bacon strips in half crosswise (so you have 24 half-strips). Take one half-strip of bacon and wrap it around a stuffed jalapeño half, starting at one end and spiraling around, covering as much of the jalapeño as possible. Secure the bacon end with a toothpick, inserting it through the bacon and jalapeño to hold everything together. Repeat with all poppers.

Step 6: Arrange for Baking
Place bacon-wrapped poppers on prepared baking sheet (or on the wire rack if using), spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure they’re seam-side down so bacon stays in place. If needed, use additional toothpicks to secure loose bacon ends.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bacon is crispy and browned and jalapeños are tender. The exact time depends on your bacon thickness and oven. For extra crispy bacon, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let poppers cool for 5 minutes before serving (the filling is very hot!). Remove toothpicks if desired (or warn guests). Serve warm with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Grilling Instructions (Alternative):
Preheat grill to medium heat (350-375°F). Place prepared poppers on grill, close lid, and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crispy and jalapeños are tender.