Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl blend a dash of salt and a dash of garlic powder with the cream cheese.

Cut bacon slices in half and place on a backing sheet (with sides). Place in oven and cook until bacon is a little more than half way cooked. 10-18 minutes.

While bacon is cooking get the poppers assembled. Combine 2.5 cups cheddar cheese with the cream cheese. This mixture will be very stiff, which is what you want.

Cut a thin slice off the top of the jalapeno (length wise). With gloved hands, take a spoon and scoop out the seeds, taking care not to rip the jalapeno.

Stuff the jalapenos with the cheese mixture.

When bacon is a little more than half way cooked, remove it from oven, transfer bacon to a plate covered with a paper towel.

Drain the bacon pan, and then place the stuffed jalapeno poppers on the bacon pan.

Top the poppers with a slice of bacon (two slices if you cooked extra). Press the bacon into the cheese mixture a little to lock the bacon in place.

Return the pan to the oven and bake 8-12 minutes or until the bacon is completely cooked. Watch the poppers closely.