This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These mouthwatering grilled jalapeno poppers are my secret trick to a perfect spicy creamy summer appetizer everyone loves – wrapped in salty bacon and grilled to perfection!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
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.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Smoky Jalapeno Poppers
Everything is better with bacon right? Yes! These poppers are no exception. My husband and his family are huge fans of poppers and over the years I have honed in on my favorite ways to cook them. While baking them is more contained, in the summer the oven heats up my house like crazy so I opt for grilling – just about anything! The grill gives these creamy poppers a wonderful crisp and smokey flavor.
I like to plant a very basic garden in the spring and even though I only plant one jalapeno plant somehow it makes more peppers than all my other pepper plants combined. When peak season comes, I make these grilled jalapeno poppers to take to potlucks, friends’ houses, and even as an indulgent snack! Once you have mastered the basic recipe try adding different flavors to the cream cheese and see what new variations you can come up with and share them with us by commenting below!
How to Make Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
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.
Use this Method
Prep Jalapenos. Cut the stem off each jalapeno and cut in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scrape out seeds & membranes.
Filling. Combine cream cheese, garlic, and honey in a small bowl, whip till creamy.
Assemble. 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 Option – 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.
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.
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.
What to Enjoy with Grilled Cream Cheese GRilled Jalapeno Poppers
Margaritas. The tangy, citrusy flavors of margaritas complement the spicy and savory elements of the poppers, creating a delightful contrast.
Guacamole. The creamy and cooling nature of guacamole provides a soothing contrast to the spicy poppers, adding a fresh element to your meal.
Grilled Corn. The sweetness of grilled corn complements the savory and spicy notes of the jalapeño poppers, creating a well-rounded plate.
Salad. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp, refreshing counterbalance to the rich and spicy poppers.
Coleslaw. The cool, crunchy, and slightly sweet nature of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the poppers.
BBQ Ribs. Pairing poppers with BBQ ribs combines smoky, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Potato Salad. The creamy, slightly tangy flavor of potato salad complements the poppers while providing a cooling effect to balance the heat.
Garlic Bread. The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread pair well with the poppers, adding a comforting and familiar taste to the meal.
Stuffed Mushrooms. The umami-rich flavor of stuffed mushrooms complements the poppers, creating a delicious and varied appetizer spread.
Pickled Vegetables. The tangy, slightly sour taste of pickled vegetables provides a sharp contrast that enhances the flavors of the spicy poppers.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of sweet and tangy fruits can help cleanse the palate and balance the spiciness of the poppers.
Try these BBQ favorites:
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
- 1 Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake & Dehydrate, Black/Silver
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.
Delightfully spicy and delicious!