International Bacon Day always falls on the Saturday before Labor Day, which means today is the day to celebrate your love of the cured meat.

Here is one of my favorite recipes that uses bacon to make it that much better.  Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers.  Yum!

9 Jalapeno Peppers
8oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1/2 pound ground beef (optional)
1/4 cup salsa
1/2 cup mexican style shredded cheese
9 slices of bacon cut in half

Brown beef, you can even add onions, taco seasoning, fajita seasoning…whatever will make it to your taste. You don’t have to add ground beef if you don’t want to, but if you have a hungrier crowd, it’s a nice addition.

Cook the bacon slightly, just so it is starting to brown but you are still able to work with it, set it aside to cool.

Cut your jalapenos in half and remove all the seeds.

Combine your filling (cream cheese, salsa, shredded cheese) in bowl and add beef after it has cooled down a little.

Stuff your jalapenos with the mixture, then wrap them in the partially cooked bacon.

Two ways to cook these, you can put into a 375* oven on a foil lined pan for 15 minutes then broil for an additional 2 to make them crispy…or, if you want to make this a tailgate food, foil line your grill and throw them on until they look nice and crispy.  Make sure to shut the lid so they get cooked all around.

Share your favorite bacon enhanced recipes in the comments below!  And for more offbeat holidays to celebrate during September, click here.