Crispy Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These crispy grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a perfect party snack combining smoky, crispy bacon with a creamy, spicy cheese filling. Quick and easy to make, they are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers (12 jalapeños halved) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz (225 g) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 thin-cut bacon slices
- Toothpicks for securing bacon wraps
Instructions
- Wear gloves. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes to control heat. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop, leaving a little room for the bacon wrap.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise if needed. Wrap each cheese-filled jalapeño half with a bacon slice, securing with a toothpick.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place poppers on the grill with bacon seam side down. Grill for 7–10 minutes, then carefully turn and grill the other side for another 7–10 minutes until bacon is crisp and filling bubbles slightly. Move to cooler grill section if flare-ups occur.
- Remove poppers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. Do not overstuff the jalapeños to prevent cheese from oozing out and causing flare-ups. Use thin-cut bacon for faster crisping. If bacon cooks too fast, move poppers to indirect heat and close grill lid. Let poppers rest 5 minutes after grilling to set filling. For no grill, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, turning halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped jala
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, grilled appetizers, party snacks, easy recipe, smoky, spicy, creamy filling