Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

These Grilled Jalapeño Poppers are smoky, creamy, and wrapped in crispy bacon for the ultimate game day or backyard cookout appetizer.

Course Appetizers/Party Foods

Cuisine American

Keyword Grilled Jalapeno Poppers, Jalapeno Poppers

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings poppers

Calories 134kcal

Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes (wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spicy foods).
9-12 fresh jalapeño peppers
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and black pepper
Spoon the filling evenly into each jalapeño half.
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
12 slices bacon
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the poppers on the grill, cut side up, and grill for 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the bacon is crispy. Grill with the lid closed to let the bacon render and the peppers soften evenly.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Pick straighter peppers: Use medium to large sized jalapeno peppers that are fairly straight so they sit flat on the grill grates without tipping over.
Soften the cream cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature so the filling so blends smoothly without lumps.
Clean your grates: Clean and oil the grill grates before cooking so the bacon wrapped poppers do not stick.
Avoid flare ups: If they begin to flare up from bacon grease, move the grilled jalapeno poppers over indirect heat immediately.
Chill first: Chill the filling for 10 minutes if it becomes too soft while stuffing the jalapenos.
Storage: Store leftover grilled jalapeño poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until the bacon crisps back up. Freeze cooked poppers in a single layer before transferring to a freezer container. Reheat directly from frozen at 375 degrees F until heated through