Grilled Jalapeno Poppers are an easy, creamy, delicious low-carb appetizer! Made with spicy jalapenos that are stuffed with a creamy filling and then wrapped in salty, savory bacon, these homemade jalapeno poppers are sure to light any appetite on fire!
This recipe for Grilled Jalapeno Poppers makes a great addition to any party spread, especially served alongside Bacon Wrapped Dates and Rotel Sausage Dip.
We often turn to the grill for classics, like Grilled Hamburgers, Grilled BBQ Chicken, or Grilled Shrimp. But what about throwing Jalapeno Poppers on the grill?
Let me tell you, the slightly smokey flavor that the grill imparts to this appetizer turns this grilled version of jalapeno poppers into the BEST version!
Why Grilled Jalapeno Poppers are the Best
- Bacon. Adding bacon to any recipe makes it appeal to the masses, and it is no different when it comes to Jalapeno Poppers. Instead of being breaded, the stuffed jalapenos are wrapped in salty bacon, adding irresistibly good flavor to this appetizer.
- Grilled Not Fried. Instead of being deep-fried, these jalapeno poppers can be grilled (or baked), which cuts back significantly on the fat and calories, while the grill imparts additional flavor to the recipe itself.
- Super Easy Recipe. This recipe for jalapeno poppers only requires a handful of ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. They also can be prepped up to cooking up to 3 days in advance, making them the perfect appetizer to entertain with.
- Low Carb Appetizer. Because the breading is replaced with bacon, not only does this recipe for Jalapeno Poppers have more flavor, but it makes this recipe low-carb friendly as well.
- Allergy-Friendly. Not only is this recipe for jalapeno poppers low-carb, but it is also gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
- Grilled Not Fried. Instead of being deep-fried, these jalapeno poppers can be grilled (or baked), which cuts back significantly on the fat and calories, while the grill imparts additional flavor to the recipe itself.
Ingredients for Jalapeno Poppers
- Jalapenos: You want to select relatively large jalapenos so that they are easy to stuff with the cream cheese filling.
- Cream Cheese: Use low-fat or full-fat cream cheese, but do NOT use fat-free cream cheese as it may separate when cooking, plus the flavor is not as good! Also, be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before preparing the filling for the jalapeno poppers.
- Seasonings: I love to add garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder to the cream cheese for added flavor. The garlic and onion powder add a savoriness to the poppers and the smoked paprika adds a layer of smokey flavor. Feel free to use regular paprika if you do not have smoked paprika.
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers
Step One: Prepare Filling. The filling for these jalapeno poppers is made simply by combining cream cheese with salt and spices. Keep in mind you want to be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature prior to preparing the jalapeno popper filling so that it mixes easily.
Step Two. Prepare Jalapenos. In order to create a cavity in which to fill the jalapeno with the cream cheese filling, it is best to remove the stem, cut the peppers in half lengthwise, and then remove and discard the ribs and seeds from the inside of the jalapeno.
Kristen's Tip
Always use caution when working with hot peppers. I recommend using plastic gloves OR washing your hands very thoroughly after slicing the peppers open and removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeno.
Step Three: Stuff the Peppers. You want to fill each half of the jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture so that the cavity is full, but not overflowing with cream cheese.
Step Three: Wrap with Bacon. Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may only need half a slice of bacon per popper. You want to cover the jalapeno popper entirely with bacon, but it is best to not overlap the bacon much, as that prevents it from crisping up.
Step Four: Grill Jalapeno Poppers. You can opt to grill, smoke, or even bake your poppers. I personally love grilling or smoking them, as it imparts a delicious smokey flavor to them.
- To grill jalapeno poppers, place prepared poppers cut side down directly onto a grill heated to medium-low heat. Grill just until bacon begins to crisp up and then flip over. Grill for an additional 15-17 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked and the jalapenos are softened.
- To smoke the poppers, place on a 200-degree F smoker and smoke for 25-30 minutes until the jalapenos are soft. Turn the smoker up to 375 degrees F and smoke for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and rendered.
- To bake, place the assembled poppers onto a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with a metal rack. Bake at 425 degrees F for 17-22 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeno poppers are just softened.
Make Ahead Directions
Jalapeno Poppers can be assembled up to grilling (or baking) up to 3 days before cooking. Assemble as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 3 days. Bake, smoke, or grill the jalapeno poppers as desired right before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover jalapeno poppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days after baking or grilling. To reheat them, it is best to pop the jalapeno poppers under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to warm through and keep the bacon crispy.
recipe modifications
- For really crispy bacon: I recommend pre-cooking your bacon before assembling the jalapeno poppers by microwaving the bacon for 2 minutes on a paper-towel-lined sheet or baking in a 400-degree F oven for 5 minutes.
- Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers: Feel free to add up to ½ cup of shredded cheese to cream cheese mixture for a delicious cheesy addition.
More Favorite Appetizer Recipes
If you tried these Jalapeno Poppers, I would love to know how you enjoyed them! Leave a comment below and let us know if you grilled, smoked, or baked them.
Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 6-12 strips bacon
- 6 large jalapenos sliced lengthwise, seed and ribs removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Soak toothpicks or wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 15-30 minutes.
- Combine cream cheese with paprika, garlic, onion powder and salt.
- Fill the cavity of each jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture, and then wrap a slice of the bacon securely around the jalapeno. Secure with a toothpick.
To Bake Jalapeno Poppers
- Place the assembled poppers onto a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with a metal rack. Bake at 425 degrees for 17-22 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
To Grill Jalapeno Poppers
- Place the prepared poppers cut side down directly onto a grill heated to medium-low heat. Grill just until bacon begins to crisp up and then flip over. Grill for an additional 15-17 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked and the jalapenos are softened.
To Smoke Jalapeno Poppers
- Place the assembled jalapeno poppers onto a smoker heated to 200 degrees, cut side up. Smoke for 25-30 minutes until the jalapenos are soft and the bacon is cooked. Turn the smoker up to 375 degrees, flip, and smoke for an additional 10 minutes, flipping once half-way through , or until bacon is crispy and rendered. Keep a close eye on the poppers as to not burn the bacon.
Equipment Needed
Notes
- Bacon: Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may only need a half a slice of bacon per popper. You want to cover the jalapeno popper entirely with bacon, but it is best to not overlap the bacon much, as that prevents it from crisping up.
- If you would like really crispy bacon, I recommend pre-cooking your bacon before assembling the jalapeno poppers by microwaving the bacon for 2 minutes on a paper-towel-lined sheet or baking in a 400-degree oven for 5 minutes.
- Feel free to add up to ½ cup shredded cheese to cream cheese mixture for Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers.
- You can pre-make these poppers for a party up to 3 days in advance before cooking. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 3 days in advance.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, it is best to pop under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to warm through and re-crisp the bacon up.
- Wear disposable gloves when dealing with jalapenos or wash your hands thoroughly after handling and do not touch your eyes or mouth.
Jade
Creamy, smoky, and with just the right kick, these were gone in a jiffy!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing, Jade! They disappear fast at our house as well!
Toni
This was a huge hit at my house!! Such an amazing appetizer!
Sharina
I love the kick in these adorable grilled jalapeno poppers! And the filling is bursting with flavors. They were a crowd fave last night!
Kara
Delicious! Perfect.