Grilled Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Grilled Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Stuffed Jalapeos with Bacon

Yields: 16 servings

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 16 whole jalapeo peppers with stems
  • 8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients and prepare your grill. Preheat the outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
  2. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded Cheddar, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
  3. Take each jalapeo pepper and lay it on a flat surface. Slice a lengthwise sliver from the side of the pepper to expose the seeds and membrane inside. Use the handle of a teaspoon to carefully scrape out the seeds and membrane, leaving a hollow pepper. Repeat this process for all 16 peppers.
  4. Chop up the slivers of pepper that you just removed and mix them into the cheese stuffing for added flavor.
  5. Stuff each hollowed-out jalapeo with the prepared cheese mixture.
  6. Wrap each stuffed jalapeo with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with toothpicks to hold everything in place.
  7. Place the stuffed jalapeos on a less-hot part of the grill. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the peppers occasionally. Grill until the peppers are tender, juicy, and the bacon is browned and crispy.

Cook's Note

Any leftover cheese mixture makes a great spread for crackers while you're waiting for the peppers to cook!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 164
Total Fat 15g (19% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 8g (38% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 37mg (12% Daily Value)
Sodium 234mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate 2g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 0g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 6g (12% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 6mg (7% Daily Value)
Calcium 97mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron 0mg (2% Daily Value)
Potassium 90mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Grilled Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Grilled Jalapeo Poppers

History and Origin

The jalapeo popper is a beloved appetizer that has its roots in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have emerged in the 1980s in the United States, particularly in Texas, which has a strong tradition of jalapeo-based dishes. Combining spicy jalapeos with creamy cheese and savory bacon, the dish is a perfect balance of heat, flavor, and texture. It quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in many American homes, especially during BBQs, tailgates, and parties.

Regional Variations

Grilled jalapeo poppers have become a versatile dish with many regional adaptations. In some areas, such as the American Southwest, poppers are often made with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon, while others may include a variety of fillings like sausage, shrimp, or even barbecue chicken. Some variations also use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or goat cheese, to add a unique twist. The dish is often cooked on a grill, though other methods like baking or frying are also popular depending on local preferences.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

While jalapeo poppers share similarities with other stuffed peppers, such as the classic stuffed bell peppers, they differ in both the heat level and the preparation. The jalapeo popper is characterized by its use of spicy jalapeos, which provide a much hotter kick compared to the milder bell peppers. The traditional stuffing is often cream cheese-based, offering a creamy contrast to the heat. The bacon wrap is another signature feature that distinguishes jalapeo poppers from other stuffed pepper dishes, adding a crispy, smoky flavor. Additionally, while some variations of stuffed peppers may be baked or stuffed with rice, meat, or vegetables, jalapeo poppers are typically designed as finger foods, making them ideal for snacking.

Where Are They Served?

Jalapeo poppers are popular in casual dining settings, often served as appetizers at barbecues, tailgates, and informal gatherings. They're also a common feature on the menu of many Tex-Mex restaurants, bars, and pubs. Whether served at a family cookout or at a large sports event, these spicy, cheesy treats are a crowd-pleaser. They are often paired with dips like ranch or sour cream to help cool the heat, though some people enjoy them just as they are for a fiery experience.

Fun Facts

  • Jalapeos are named after the city of Jalapa in Veracruz, Mexico, and are one of the most widely grown chili peppers in the world.
  • Despite being a spicy pepper, the heat level of a jalapeo can vary greatly depending on the individual pepper and its growing conditions, making each bite of a jalapeo popper a bit of a surprise.
  • While traditional jalapeo poppers are grilled or baked, many modern recipes take a shortcut by air-frying or even deep-frying the stuffed peppers for a quicker, crunchier result.
  • In some regions, jalapeo poppers are made with exotic fillings like smoked salmon or even sweet ingredients like mango chutney, providing an intriguing contrast to the heat.
  • Jalapeo poppers are also a popular item in competitive cooking, often featured in cook-offs and grilling competitions.

FAQ about Grilled Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Leftover jalapeño poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for about 5 minutes to restore some crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze jalapeño poppers before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, grill or bake them directly without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

If you want a bacon substitute, you can use prosciutto, turkey bacon, or a vegetarian alternative like tempeh bacon. These will give a similar texture and flavor, though the taste will vary slightly.

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

The spice level of the jalapeño poppers can vary depending on the heat of the jalapeños you use. To reduce the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes inside the peppers. You can also choose to remove the top part of the pepper, which often holds the most heat.

Yes, you can bake the jalapeño poppers at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. If you want them extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cream cheese is essential for the creamy texture, but you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for added flavor and spice.

No, you do not need to soak the jalapeños before grilling. Just clean out the seeds and membranes, stuff them with the cheese mixture, and wrap them in bacon. The grilling process will soften the peppers and enhance their flavor.

Absolutely! You can add various spices to the cheese mixture, such as cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, or even a little cayenne pepper if you want more heat. Feel free to adjust the flavor to suit your tastes.

Grill the stuffed jalapeños for 30-40 minutes on medium heat, turning them occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the bacon is crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the bacon.

Comments

Michael Brown

09/28/2024 09:13:07 AM

These are fantastic! However, they are extremely spicy. I must confess, I opted to bake them in the oven, and they turned out perfectly. I also enhanced the cheese mixture with garlic and onion powder, which added a delicious twist.

Cynthia Williams

12/17/2022 03:37:27 AM

These were absolutely delicious! It was my first time trying this recipe, so I decided to only make half of it. To make things easier, I opted to microwave the bacon, crumble it, and then combine it with the cheese mixture instead of individually wrapping each jalapeno with bacon. I also chose to cut the jalapenos in half, remove the seeds, and stuff them, rather than preparing them in slivers. Additionally, I finely chopped half a jalapeno and added it to the cheese mixture. I grilled them on a sprayed grill pan for about 30 minutes. The result was fantastic – grilling the jalapenos toned down the spiciness, making them just the right level of heat! Delicious!

Samuel Miller

03/19/2024 09:29:21 PM

This is the best jalapeno popper recipe I've ever found! I've been using it for about 3-4 years now. The first time I made them, I followed the original recipe (which is delicious by itself), but now I also add onion powder to it. I'm an avid hunter, and when dove season starts on September 1st here in Missouri, I always top the cheese filling with a single dove breast before wrapping it in bacon and grilling it on my Weber grill. It turns out absolutely delicious every time!

Mark Robinson

11/20/2023 02:07:49 AM

I elevated this recipe from a 3-star to a 5-star by incorporating my own twist! I doubled the parmesan, kept the tops intact to secure the cheese, and partially cooked the bacon before wrapping it. This resulted in a perfectly crispy bacon after grilling, while still maintaining its flexibility.

Ronald Gomez

11/16/2023 02:08:52 PM

I adjusted the recipe to make 6 servings for a cozy appetizer for two. I decided to give the cheese mixture a bit of a kick by adding a sprinkle of chili powder and cumin. Rather than grilling the poppers, I opted to bake them at 375 degrees for around 20 minutes. I wrapped half of them in bacon, which added a tasty twist, but they were just as delicious without it. Overall, these were a breeze to prepare and absolutely scrumptious!

Barbara Robinson

03/30/2024 08:52:41 PM

These poppers are fantastic! I prepare them annually for our grilling competition, and they are always a hit with everyone. I stick to the original recipe but now I precook the bacon, dice it, and incorporate it into the filling. This modification makes it easier for me to grill them. Additionally, I often have leftover filling, which I serve cold with crackers, and it's just as delicious.

Mark Robinson

09/30/2023 03:23:38 AM

These were absolutely fantastic! Despite some suggestions to cut them in half, I decided to keep them whole to ensure a generous filling. I wrapped them in thick slices of bacon, ensuring that each piece was fully covered. Cooking them with the filling side down initially allowed the bacon to cook thoroughly before the cheese started to melt out. They received glowing reviews, and I will definitely be making them again!

Barbara Young

10/27/2022 12:27:24 AM

I absolutely loved this recipe! I followed the filling instructions as stated but felt it could use a bit less garlic powder and a bit more Parmesan cheese - maybe 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan. Aside from that, it was delicious! I had to modify the process slightly as I used a standing pepper grill rack, but it didn't alter the taste of the dish at all. I chopped the bacon and incorporated it into the filling since I couldn't wrap the peppers. With these minor tweaks, this dish will definitely become a staple in our backyard gatherings!

Daniel Gonzalez

11/16/2023 05:11:14 PM

Absolutely amazing! I decided to enhance the cheese mixture with chives and skipped the bacon, but it turned out delicious anyway. To prevent the cheese from melting everywhere, I placed them on aluminum foil before grilling, and it worked like a charm. I'm planning on making them again tonight, this time adding cooked bacon bits on top of each one as I prefer cooking them in foil. Thank you for such an enjoyable recipe! My husband and family request these all the time, and I can't wait to serve them at our next BBQ for a larger group of friends.

Lisa Wright

08/13/2024 09:38:47 AM

Fantastic and packed with heat for those who enjoy spicy flavors! For bigger jalapeños, consider wrapping them fully with a single slice of bacon to hold all the filling. Once the bacon is nicely browned, move the peppers to the top grill rack (if available) to allow the cheese to completely melt and create a delicious crust.

Joshua Cruz

11/13/2022 08:36:57 PM

I personally prepare these by slicing off the tops of whole peppers, removing the seeds and as many of the ribs as I can. I stuff them with a mixture of grated cheddar and Monterey cheese, along with diced shrimp, and then wrap them in bacon. Grilling them with smoke creates a BBQ essential, according to all of my guests.

Victoria Sanchez

07/16/2023 05:18:34 AM

Excellent recipe. I will definitely be making it again.

Eric Martinez

10/29/2024 12:26:32 PM

They were excellent! I decided to enhance the flavor by incorporating garlic and herb cheese spread along with half the amount of cream cheese. I prepared them in the air fryer, and they turned out wonderfully!

Edward Davis

05/26/2024 06:18:54 PM

Outstanding every single time

Katherine Torres

05/05/2023 12:56:42 AM

Impressive Recipe! I must say, this recipe is absolutely fantastic! The flavors are amazing! The only tweak I made was placing them under the broiler for the final cooking. It would have been helpful to have specific instructions for grill temperature and browning the top. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a flawless appetizer!

Gregory Sanchez

06/11/2024 01:15:14 PM

Wow!! These treats are absolutely delightful!!

Samuel Campbell

04/14/2025 12:36:23 AM

These bites are delicious. The only tweaks I made were oven-baking them and lightly pre-cooking the bacon, although next time I would prefer to cook the bacon a bit longer.

Raymond Gomez

10/02/2022 04:24:35 AM

Loved these poppers! Even family members who usually avoid spicy food enjoyed them. Here's a tip: I turned off the center burner and placed the poppers on foil over the turned off burner. It made cleanup much easier. They were ready in about 25 minutes.

Margaret Johnson

09/02/2023 07:08:42 AM

These were amazing! I prepared them on my grill/smoker combo. It was our first time making poppers, and it was a blast. Jalapenos are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. I tried four that weren't spicy at all, but the last one felt like fire! I will definitely make them again.

Barbara Ramirez

03/23/2023 08:27:49 PM

These stuffed peppers were a huge success! Initially, I was concerned that the recipe might be too much for 6 people due to the large size of my peppers, but to my surprise, there weren't any leftovers. A few peppers ended up slightly charred in order to cook the bacon thoroughly, but it actually enhanced the flavor and my guests enjoyed it. I will definitely be making these again. I followed the recipe as is and used all organic ingredients.