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Cheese stuffed bacon wrapped Grilled Jalapeno Poppers are one of those foods that instantly feels like a backyard party even if you’re just making dinner in sweatpants.
You’ve got the smoky char from the grill, the creamy (and spicy) filling tucked inside those jalapenos, and then the bacon doing what bacon does best: turning everything into a crispy, salty, irresistible masterpiece. And honestly, when they come out bubbling and bronzed with that just-right crunch, they look impressive enough to have a “main character” moment at any cookout.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to Make Smoky Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry this is the kind of recipe where you can focus on simple steps and still get big flavor payoff. Slice the jalapenos carefully, remove the seeds and ribs (or leave some if you like it hotter), stuff them with your filling, wrap in bacon, and grill until the bacon is crisp and the poppers are tender. Intermediate cooks can dial up the flavor with mix-ins like cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic, or even a little smoky seasoning because the grill loves bold choices.
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers Ingredients
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Whole jalapeno peppers (6) – Select fresh, firm whole jalapeños for the perfect vessel to hold your delicious fillings.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces) – Use softened cream cheese to create a creamy, rich filling that balances the heat of the jalapeños.
- Garlic (1 tsp) – Mince fresh garlic and mix it into the cream cheese for a burst of savory flavor in each bite.
- Honey (1 tsp) – Drizzle a touch of honey over the poppers before grilling to add a hint of sweetness that complements the spicy peppers.
- Bacon (12 slices) – Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon for a smoky, crispy outer layer that enhances the overall taste.
Steps to Make Grill Jalapeno Poppers
Mix and Assemble
Combine cream cheese, garlic, and honey in a small bowl, whip till creamy. Stuff cream cheese into the jalapeno halves. Wrap each jalapeno completely with bacon ensuring the cheese is covered. Secure with toothpicks.
Grill
Place jalapenos on grill cut side down and grill just until bacon begins to crisp (about 6 minutes). Gently loosen bacon from the grill and flip jalapenos over. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook an additional 10-12 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
Bake
Bake at 425°F in the oven for 18-23 minutes till bacon is crisp and cheese is melted.
Tips and Tricks for Making Easy Jalapeno Poppers
Handle Peppers Carefully. Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from the capsaicin. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
Properly Prepare the Peppers. Cut jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. Use a small spoon or a paring knife to scoop out the insides.
Mix the Filling Well. Combine cream cheese with shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and other desired spices. Mix until smooth for a consistent filling.
Add Extra Flavor. Enhance the filling with ingredients like cooked bacon bits, chives, or cilantro for additional flavor and texture.
Don’t Overstuff. Fill the jalapeños just to the top without overstuffing to prevent the filling from oozing out during grilling.
Use Toothpicks. Secure the jalapeño halves with toothpicks to keep them closed and ensure the filling stays inside while grilling.
Preheat the Grill. Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the jalapeños on it. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Use a Grill Basket or Mat. Place the jalapeños on a grill basket or mat to prevent them from falling through the grates. This also makes turning them easier.
Grill with Indirect Heat. Cook the jalapeños over indirect heat to avoid burning. Position them away from direct flames and close the grill lid for even cooking.
Monitor the Cooking Time. Grill the jalapeños for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and the cheese filling is melted and slightly browned.
Let Them Rest. Allow the poppers to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the grill. This helps the filling set slightly and prevents burns from hot cheese.
What to Serve with Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Enjoy your grilled stuffed jalapenos with my favorites like Margaritas, Guacamole, Grilled Corn, Salad, Coleslaw, BBQ Ribs, Potato Salad, Garlic Bread, Stuffed Mushrooms, Pickled Vegetables, and Fruit Salad.
Try these BBQ favorites:
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Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 jalapeno peppers, whole
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey
- 12 slices bacon
Instructions
- Cut the stem off each jalapeno and cut in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scrape out seeds & membranes.
- Combine cream cheese, garlic, and honey in a small bowl, whip till creamy.
- Stuff cream cheese into the jalapeno halves.
- Wrap each jalapeno completely with bacon ensuring the cheese is covered. Secure with toothpicks.
To Grill
- Place jalapenos on grill cut side down and grill just until bacon begins to crisp (about 6 minutes). Gently loosen bacon from the grill and flip jalapenos over. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook an additional 10-12 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
To Bake
- Preheat to 425°F, place on a parchment lined pan and bake about 18-23 minutes or until bacon is crisp and cheese is melted.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Jalapeno Poppers on Grill FAQs
Select firm, large, and straight jalapeños, as they are easier to stuff and grill evenly.
Yes, removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat and creates more space for the filling.
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapeños ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.
Grill the poppers for about 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until they are tender and the cheese is melted.
You can bake the jalapeño poppers in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
To make them spicier, leave some seeds and membranes in the jalapeños or add a bit of hot sauce to the filling.
Yes, you can freeze uncooked stuffed jalapeños. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Grill or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill.
Use a grill basket or mat, or lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Delightfully spicy and delicious!