Hey there, Jason Griffith here! We all love a good wrap, but sometimes you just need something truly loaded, bursting with flavor and texture. Today, we’re diving into the Hickory Bacon Dense Loaded Wraps Monterey Jack Madness! Imagine crispy, smoky hickory bacon combined with melty Monterey Jack cheese, vibrant veggies, and a kick of jalapeño, all nestled in a warm tortilla. These wraps are incredibly satisfying, packed with savory goodness, and ridiculously easy to make. Get ready to experience some serious flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for me because it’s the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, all wrapped up in a convenient package. The hickory bacon provides that unbeatable smoky depth, while the creamy Monterey Jack cheese ensures every bite is gooey and rich. I particularly love the freshness that the green onions and tomatoes bring, and the jalapeños add just the right amount of kick. It’s versatile, quick for a weeknight meal, and fantastic for a casual gathering. If you’re looking for other easy ways to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, you’ll love These Sheet Pan Quesadillas, my favorite way to feed a crowd fast!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredible loaded wraps:
- 1 pound hickory smoked bacon
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (fresh is best!)
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Bacon: Hickory smoked bacon offers a distinct flavor, but any thick-cut bacon will work beautifully. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s cooked crispy!
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is fantastic for its meltability and mild, buttery flavor. You could also use a blend like Colby Jack, or even add a bit of sharp cheddar for more tang.
- Jalapeños: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing. For more heat, leave them in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of spice, omit them.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal. If you don’t have fresh, well-drained canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
- Sour Cream & Salsa: This combination forms a creamy, tangy base for the filling. You can adjust the ratio or swap out salsa for a bit of hot sauce for more kick.
- Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are best for wrapping, but if you prefer, you could use corn tortillas and turn these into a baked taco-style dish (though the wrapping might be harder!).
- Optional Additions: Cooked and shredded chicken or ground beef would make these wraps even heartier. A little bit of cooked rice (like in my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole) could also be a delicious addition.
Steps for the Recipe
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hickory smoked bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the crispy bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the Filling Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced green onions, diced tomatoes, diced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the 4 large flour tortillas on a clean surface. Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it out in a line down the center of each tortilla, leaving space at the ends for folding.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly on top of the cheese mixture on each tortilla. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll the Wraps: Carefully roll up each tortilla, starting from one long end. As you roll, tuck in the shorter ends to create a neat, sealed wrap.
- Bake the Wraps: Place the rolled wraps seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the wraps are heated through and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the wraps from the oven. Slice in half diagonally, if desired, and serve hot. Get ready to enjoy the rich hickory bacon and Monterey Jack madness in every bite!
Tips for Success
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t skimp on cooking the bacon until it’s truly crispy. This adds a crucial textural element to the creamy filling.
- Even Distribution: Ensure the filling is spread evenly so every bite of the wrap is loaded with flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: While you want them “dense loaded,” be careful not to overfill the tortillas, or they’ll be difficult to roll and might burst during baking.
- Warm Tortillas (Optional): Lightly warming the tortillas before filling them can make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. You can do this quickly in the microwave or a dry skillet.
- Season to Taste: Taste the filling before you roll the wraps and adjust salt, pepper, or even add more salsa/jalapeños if you like.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Hickory Bacon Dense Loaded Wraps are fantastic as a light lunch, a hearty snack, or a fun appetizer. Serve them with extra sour cream or salsa for dipping. For a complete meal, a simple side salad or some seasoned rice would be great. They’re also perfect for a party spread alongside my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears! For drinks, a cold beer, a crisp hard seltzer, or even a refreshing glass of iced tea would complement the flavors wonderfully.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These loaded wraps are best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the bacon is still crisp. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving is an option, but the tortilla might become soft.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy, hearty, and flavorful nature of these loaded wraps, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another effortless way to impress, my Baked Brie Appetizer is a fantastic choice.
- And if you’re looking for something sweet, my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delicious way to use up those ripe bananas!
Final Thoughts
The Hickory Bacon Dense Loaded Wraps Monterey Jack Madness are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly satisfying and crave-worthy. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy, bacon-filled goodness.
I hope you give this delicious recipe a try! What are your favorite ingredients to load into a wrap? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy wrapping!
Leave a Reply