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!!
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Ever since that night, my husband 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.
These Jalapeno Poppers are creamy, salty, and spicy in each bite. They were perfection.
How to Make Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers
Step One: Prepare Bacon
In order to be sure your bacon is fully cooked and crispy after grilling, you need to par-cook the bacon strip slightly.
- Cook Bacon for 2 minutes on paper towel lined plate.
- Alternatively, you can cook bacon in 400 degree oven for 4-5 minutes.
- Let cool slightly for handling.
Step Two: Prepare Jalapenos
- Put plastic gloves on to protect your fingers from the heat of jalapeno peppers. If you don’t have gloves, be sure to wash your hands VERY thoroughly after handling peppers.
- Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and ribs of jalapeno.
Step Three: Make Jalapeno Popper Filling
- Mix together cream cheese and spices.
Step Four: Stuff Jalapeno Peppers
- Scoop 1-2 tablespoons in each jalapeno half.
- Wrap with bacon and secure with toothpick.
Step Five: Grill
- Grill jalapeno poppers over medium-low heat until creamy cheesy is bubbly and bacon is crisp.
- Do NOT flip your poppers while grilling, or the filling will fall out and make a mess!
A few Notes on Jalapeno Poppers
- Instead of grilling peppers, bake on cookie sheet for 30 minutes in 350 degree oven.
- Feel free to add up to 1/2 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 and just finish on the grill to heat through and finish cooking the bacon.
More Party Favorite Recipes
- Lightened Up Easy Hot Corn Dip
- Spicy Sausage Cups
- Simple Greek Pinwheels with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
- Skinny Spinach Artichoke Dip
- The Most Amazing Taco Dip
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
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.
Sarah @ BucketListTummy says
So true. It’s blasphemy to not love something wrapped in bacon. I love the idea of some spice and savory here!
Kristen Chidsey says
Blasphemy, indeed my friend.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
This will be a perfect appetizer for football season!
Kristen Chidsey says
We sure think so!
Marye says
These sound amazing, I definitely want to try them the next time we grill!
Kristen Chidsey says
I hope you do! They are easy and always a crowd pleaser!
Michele says
What a great idea adding the paprika to the cream cheese…. that flavor sounds divine! Cant wait to try these out! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey says
They are pretty amazing. I hope you love them!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Everything’s better with bacon! Great idea to add the smoked paprika! This is the perfect snack for football season!
Kristen Chidsey says
The smoked paprika is a nice touch to carry through that smokey flavor.
Heather Kinnaird says
anything wrapped in bacon is delicious, but jalapeno poppers are a favorite around here- perfect for football watching
Kristen Chidsey says
Perfect football food for sure!
Linda @ 2 Cookin' Mamas says
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.
Kristen Chidsey says
🙂 Enjoy Linda. You won’t regret adding these to your weekend plans!
Erin says
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!
Kristen Chidsey says
I hope this is JUST the inspiration you need to make them yourself. I promise they are so amazing.
Taylor Kiser says
Love the big flavors in these! Perfect party food!
Kristen Chidsey says
Perfect party food for sure!
Alyssa says
I love the idea to grill these. I dread turning on the oven in this weather but my husband loves jalapeño poppers.
Kristen Chidsey says
Yes in this heat it is CRAZY to turn on the oven. So ready for cooler weather.
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
KRISTEN!!!! You are speaking my language girl— Smoky paprika! Bacon. Cream cheese. GAH! Can’t wait to try these!
Kristen Chidsey says
Enjoy my dear friend!
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen says
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!
Kristen Chidsey says
Yes, you totally can not go wrong with bacon!!
Karly says
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 🙂
Kristen Chidsey says
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!
Justine Howell says
OMG can I say the perfect appetizer!!
Kristen Chidsey says
That’s what we say at our house too 😉
Renee Goerger says
My husband will be so happy that I found your recipe. He’s the jalapeno popper fan in the family. I can’t wait to make these for him. Thanks for the recipe!!
Kristen Chidsey says
You bet Renee–our family loves these as well.