Step 1

If using shrimp, sauté in skillet in 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil until pink on both sides.  Set aside until ready to use.

Step 2

If using 1/2 pound ground beef or sausage use a skillet to brown it, then place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Allow meat to totally cool before blending with cheese mixture.

Step 3

Cook diced bacon in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy, 8 to 9 minutes. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate. Set aside.

Step 4

Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, bacon, garlic powder, scallions, cilantro or parsley, panko, egg yolk, lime juice, seasoning of choice, bacon and any extra options you want to include together in bowl until incorporated and nice and creamy.

Step 5

Adjust your oven rack to upper-middle position and preheat your oven to 500 degrees. Prepare your rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack lightly coated with cooking spray.

Step 6

Season jalapeños with sprinkles of salt and place cut side down on top of your wire rack. Bake until just starting t become tender, between 4 and 5 minutes.

Step 7

Remove jalapeños from oven and set aside to cool.

Step 8

Set your oven's temperature to 450 degrees.

Step 9

Once jalapenos are cool enough to handle, flip them over so the cut side is facing up.

Step 10

Divide cheese mixture among each of your jalapeños, carefully pressing into each. Fill each jalapeño about 2/3 full with cheese mixture and do not overfill them.

Step 11

Bake until filling is a light golden brown, about 10 minutes. If desired, place under broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown tops. Just keep a close watch because these poppers can burn fast. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Divide cheese mixture among jalapeños, pressing into cavities. Fill each jalapeño half until it is about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill.

Step 13

Top each half with a shrimp, if using.

Step 14

Wrap each jalapeño half with bacon and secure with wooden toothpick.

Step 15

Brush each half with barbecue sauce if desired.

Step 16

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Step 17

Place poppers on parchment lined pan.

Step 18

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 19

If desired, place under broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown tops.

Step 20

Let sit about 10 minutes before serving.

Step 21

Place on hot grill with indirect heat to prevent burning.

Step 22

Leave on grill 20-25 minutes or until bacon crisps and cheese is melted.

Step 23

To cook bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in your air fryer, prepare as directed, then cook at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your peppers.

Step 24

If not wrapped in bacon only 10 minutes are needed.