Grilled Jalapeno Poppers: Spicy jalapenos are stuffed with a smoky cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon, and grilled to perfection for one spicy, creamy bite that is sure to light any appetite on fire!
A few years ago, my husband and I attended his colleague’s Christmas party were we all brought an appetizer to share.
I made my Bacon Wrapped Dates, which I knew would be a huge success, since who dosen’t love something wrapped in bacon?! And they were a huge hit and one of the first appetizers to disappear, but there was another goodie wrapped in bacon that won for the best appetizer–Jalapeno Poppers. And you guys, they were smoked in a smokehouse. OH MY WORD!!
They were creamy, salty, spicy and the smokehouse flavor lingered in each bite. I am pretty sure the only thing that kept my husband from eating them all by himself was that he had to wash each one down with a drink, because they were a bit spicy.
Ever since that night, he has asked me to make Jalapeno Poppers at home. I knew that I could not perfectly replicate the smokehouse flavor, but could come close by adding some smoked paprika to the cream cheese mixture and grilling the poppers over a charcoal grill. 
The question is did I succeed? Well, my husband’s eyes rolled back into his head after one bite. That should tell you how good they were. I am telling you, you MUST give these Grilled Jalapeno Poppers a try–they are out of this world good!
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapenos sliced lengthwise, seed and ribs removed
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 strips bacon cult in half
Instructions
-
Prepare charcoal grill to medium heat (or gas grill.)
-
Pre-cook bacon on paper towel lined plate in the microwave for 2 minutes.
-
Combine cream cheese with paprika, garlic, onion powder and salt.
-
Fill the cavity of each jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture.
-
Wrap a slice of bacon around each jalapeno. You can secure with a toothpick if needed--I have found I don't need one.
-
Place on grill over direct heat, for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon is crispy on the bottom. (Will be less time on a gas grill.)
-
If you would like bacon crispier on the top--pop under broiler for 1-2 minutes. But pre-cooking the bacon, usually eliminates that step.
-
Alternatively, you can wrap the bacon around the jalapenos without pre-cooking and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes--the bacon fat will render directly into your jalapeno, making it super tasty.
More Perfect Party Bites
Lightened Up Creamy Cheesy Corn Dip
So true. It’s blasphemy to not love something wrapped in bacon. I love the idea of some spice and savory here!
Blasphemy, indeed my friend.
This will be a perfect appetizer for football season!
We sure think so!
These sound amazing, I definitely want to try them the next time we grill!
I hope you do! They are easy and always a crowd pleaser!
What a great idea adding the paprika to the cream cheese…. that flavor sounds divine! Cant wait to try these out! 🙂
They are pretty amazing. I hope you love them!
Everything’s better with bacon! Great idea to add the smoked paprika! This is the perfect snack for football season!
The smoked paprika is a nice touch to carry through that smokey flavor.
anything wrapped in bacon is delicious, but jalapeno poppers are a favorite around here- perfect for football watching
Perfect football food for sure!
Holy smokey deliciousness! These are definitely going to be on my grill this weekend! ‘Cause everything’s better with bacon. 🙂 These are the perfect game day appetizer.
🙂 Enjoy Linda. You won’t regret adding these to your weekend plans!
Every time I have jalapeno poppers at a party, I promise myself that I am going to make them!!! And yet … never. Maybe this is the inspiration I need to finally make my own jalapeno poppers. These look amazing!
I hope this is JUST the inspiration you need to make them yourself. I promise they are so amazing.
Love the big flavors in these! Perfect party food!
Perfect party food for sure!
I love the idea to grill these. I dread turning on the oven in this weather but my husband loves jalapeño poppers.
Yes in this heat it is CRAZY to turn on the oven. So ready for cooler weather.
KRISTEN!!!! You are speaking my language girl— Smoky paprika! Bacon. Cream cheese. GAH! Can’t wait to try these!
Enjoy my dear friend!
I made poppers too because seriously how can you not love them!? Bacon wrapped is the only way to go! These look incredible and I love that they are lengthwise which is so much easier! 🙂 Would love 10!
Yes, you totally can not go wrong with bacon!!
Maaaaay be my new favrotie grill recipe. Like, ever. These look SO good, and I love the char you get from the grill! Gotta show this one to the hubby 🙂
Ah thanks so much Karly–I greatly appreciate you taking the time to stop by and tell me that. And yes–these are pretty irresistible!