Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
Indulge in a crowd-pleaser with these Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers, crafted with love from my sister's kitchen. Perfect for parties and summer barbecues, these flavorful bites feature spicy jalapeños (or milder Anaheim peppers) generously stuffed with a rich and creamy mixture of cream cheese, aromatic sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Wrapped in crispy bacon, they deliver an irresistible combination of heat and savory goodness. Fire up the grill or use your oven; either way, these poppers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
jalapeno peppers
30 (washed, seeds removed)
bacon
32 ounces (sliced)
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups (chopped)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill or oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a grill, soak toothpicks in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
2
Wash the jalapeño peppers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, make a 'T' cut: slice the pepper horizontally about halfway down, and then make a vertical cut through the middle to form a 'T.' Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes using a spoon.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
4
Using a teaspoon, generously fill each jalapeño with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are nicely stuffed.
5
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon wraps around the pepper completely.
6
If grilling, place the wrapped poppers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. If baking, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
7
Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Jalapeo Poppers?
They are a popular party appetizer featuring spicy jalapeos stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic, then wrapped in bacon and grilled or baked.
What type of peppers can I use for this recipe?
You can use jalapeo peppers for a classic spicy kick or Anaheim peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.
How do I prepare the peppers?
Wash the peppers, make a 'T' cut by slicing horizontally halfway and then vertically through the middle, and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
What is the easiest way to remove seeds from the jalapeos?
After making the 'T' cut, use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
What ingredients are in the filling?
The filling consists of 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
Why should I use sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese and the heat of the peppers.
How much bacon do I need?
This recipe requires 32 ounces of sliced bacon to wrap approximately 30 peppers.
Do I need to soak the toothpicks?
Yes, if you are grilling the poppers, soak the toothpicks in water for 15 minutes to prevent them from burning.
At what temperature should I preheat my grill or oven?
Preheat your grill or oven to 450F (232C).
How long do the poppers take to cook on the grill?
They should cook for about 15-20 minutes on the grill, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 450F for 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
How many jalapeo peppers does this recipe use?
The recipe is designed for 30 jalapeo peppers.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to blend with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic powder.
How do I secure the bacon on the pepper?
Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed pepper and secure it firmly with a toothpick.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
How can I make the poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, ensure all seeds and the inner white membranes are completely removed from the peppers.
Can I prepare these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can clean, stuff, and wrap the peppers in advance, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
They are finished when the bacon is browned and crispy and the peppers have softened.
Is garlic powder necessary for the filling?
Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the cream cheese mixture, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
What should I do after removing them from the heat?
Let the poppers cool slightly before serving so the cheese filling can set and to avoid burning your mouth.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is traditional for its texture, you could experiment with adding shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack to the mix.
Are these suitable for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, they are a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties and outdoor summer gatherings.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftover poppers?
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350F until the bacon crisps up again and the center is warm.
What is a 'T' cut?
A 'T' cut involves slicing the top of the pepper horizontally then making a vertical slit down the center, forming a T shape for easy stuffing.
Can I use thick-cut bacon?
You can, but keep in mind that thick-cut bacon will take longer to become crispy and may require additional cooking time.
Are these poppers gluten-free?
As long as your bacon and cream cheese brands are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze these poppers?
You can freeze them before cooking; however, the texture of the pepper may be slightly softer once thawed and cooked.
What size should the sun-dried tomatoes be?
They should be finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the cream cheese filling.
What if I don't have toothpicks?
Toothpicks are highly recommended to keep the bacon from unraveling during the cooking process.