Grilled Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: The Perfect Spicy and Smoky Appetizer

Chef Emy Robert

October 5, 2024

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

If you’re looking for the perfect finger food for parties, tailgates, or casual gatherings, look no further than bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers. These grilled poppers deliver an irresistible combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese filling, and crispy bacon, all brought together with the smoky flavor from the grill. Whether you’re preparing these for a weekend BBQ or a game-day snack spread, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make a batch of these poppers in no time. For those who want to enjoy this dish with a slight twist, check out the Delish Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe for another take on this classic appetizer.

Why Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a Must-Try

The beauty of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers lies in the balance of flavors:

Spice from Jalapenos: Jalapenos bring the heat, but removing the seeds and membranes can help control the spice level, making them customizable for your guests.
Creamy Filling: A blend of cream cheese and cheddar provides a creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy jalapenos.
Crispy Bacon: Everything tastes better with bacon, and in this recipe, it adds a savory and crunchy texture that ties everything together.
Smoky Grilled Flavor: Grilling the poppers adds a smoky depth that enhances all the flavors, making them irresistible.

For an additional grilled popper recipe with slightly different preparation, check out the Spend With Pennies Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe.

Key Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

This recipe is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients:

Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos provide a mild to moderate heat. For extra spice, leave some seeds in, or for a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes.
Cream Cheese: The base of the filling, offering a rich and smooth texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness to the filling, but you can use pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Bacon: Wraps each jalapeno for a crispy, smoky layer. Thin-cut bacon works best to ensure it cooks fully on the grill.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Optional, but these seasonings enhance the flavor of the cheese filling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Step 1: Prep the Jalapenos

Slice the jalapenos lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes using a spoon. Removing the membranes helps reduce the heat, so adjust according to your taste preference.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the flavor. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Jalapenos

Spoon the cheese mixture into the halved jalapenos, filling them generously but making sure the cheese isn’t overflowing.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

Cut bacon strips in half, and wrap each stuffed jalapeno with half a strip of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place while grilling.

Step 5: Grill the Poppers

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on the grill, turning them occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. Grill until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove the poppers from the grill and let them cool slightly. Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Recipe Variations for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

1. Spicy Poppers

Add diced jalapenos or a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese mixture to amp up the heat. This variation is perfect for spice lovers.

2. Cheese Lovers’ Jalapeno Poppers

Instead of using just cheddar cheese, try a blend of different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added richness and creaminess.

3. Sausage-Stuffed Poppers

Cook some Italian sausage or chorizo and mix it into the cream cheese filling for an extra savory twist.

4. Vegetarian Poppers

Skip the bacon and instead top the jalapenos with bread crumbs for a crispy texture. Or use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Tips for Making the Best Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Pre-Cook the Bacon: If you’re worried about the bacon not crisping up on the grill, you can pre-cook it slightly before wrapping the jalapenos. This ensures the bacon crisps fully without overcooking the peppers.
Use Gloves: When handling jalapenos, especially if you’re sensitive to spice, wear gloves to avoid irritation from the capsaicin.
Secure the Bacon with Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential to keep the bacon wrapped tightly around the jalapenos during grilling.
Adjust the Heat: For milder poppers, remove all the seeds and membranes. If you prefer extra heat, leave some seeds intact.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers make an excellent appetizer, but they can also be served alongside other dishes:

Game Day Platter: Pair these poppers with Buffalo wings, nachos, and sliders for the ultimate game-day snack platter.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or chipotle aioli for added flavor and to cool down the spice.
Low-Carb Side Dish: For those on a low-carb or keto diet, these poppers make a perfect side dish when paired with grilled chicken or steak.
Summer BBQ: Serve as part of your BBQ spread alongside grilled meats, salads, and corn on the cob.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the jalapenos up to 24 hours in advance, stuff them, and wrap them with bacon. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

2. Can I bake these poppers instead of grilling them?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the poppers on a baking sheet, and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.

3. How can I reduce the spiciness of jalapeno poppers?

The heat comes from the seeds and membranes of the jalapenos. Removing them completely will make the poppers much milder. You can also substitute mini sweet peppers for jalapenos if you want a completely mild option.

4. Can I freeze bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers?

Yes, you can freeze the poppers before grilling. Assemble them as instructed, then place them on a tray in the freezer until frozen. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Grill them directly from frozen for 25-30 minutes on medium heat.

5. How long do grilled jalapeno poppers stay fresh?

Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Conclusion

Grilled bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are the perfect addition to any party or casual get-together. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re grilling them for game day or serving them at a summer BBQ, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with the addition of your favorite dipping sauces and sides, these poppers will disappear in no time!

For more ideas on how to perfect this recipe, check out the AllRecipes Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers or Spend With Pennies Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe.