These Grilled Jalapeno Poppers are an awesome version of everyone’s favorite classic appetizer recipe. Fresh jalapenos crammed with bubbly cream cheese, cheddar cheese, spices and bacon bits all wrapped up in an extra slice of bacon cooked to crispy perfection on the grill. It’s the perfect finger food for your next party, cookout or tailgate! And, with no breading, this is an awesome LOW CARB dish!
Appetizers? We LOVE Appetizers!
I’ve said it on here before, but I honestly feel like I could live in a world with no main dishes. I’d be happy with just a steady stream of delicious appetizers to enjoy. They are usually finger foods, they are easy to eat, easy to share, you can just have a couple of each and try a whole bunch of different kinds. From Cajun Deviled Eggs to Classic Chicken Fingers, you just can’t go wrong with a good appetizer in any situation. But, I’ve got a serious soft spot for spicy foods, so I’m all about bringing on the heat! Last week, I posted a recipe for Buffalo Chicken Fries, so I thought I’d keep the spicy flair going with this recipe for Grilled Jalapeno Poppers!
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Traditionally, when you have Jalapeno Poppers in a restaurant, they are breaded and then deep fried. Now, listen, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. But we thought it would be fun to take away the breading, add bacon and cook them on our grill! Here is what you will need to get started:
- Jalapenos
- Cream cheese, softened
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried parsley flakes
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bacon
Can You Make This Recipe In An Oven?
Yep! You sure can. If you don’t have a grill or are unable to use it right now, you can cook these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the oven. Cook them for about 20 minutes at 425 degrees. If you need to, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1 minute or so to get the bacon nice and crispy!
Can You Make Grilled Jalapeno Poppers Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can do this too. You can assemble them up to the point that you wrap them in bacon. Then you can store them in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or you can even wrap them individually and freeze them for up to a couple of months! Put them on the grill frozen! You’ll probably have to cook them a little longer over a lower heat to make sure it is cooked thoroughly.
Notes, Tips and Variations
- Do NOT flip your Jalapeno Popper on the grill. The cheese will go everywhere!
- Use gloves with handling the Jalapenos. If you don’t, then be very careful and wash your hands well after handling them. Have you ever gotten Jalapeno oil in your eye? Ouch!
- Make sure you are cooking the Grilled Jalapeno Poppers over an indirect heat. I pile my charcoal up to on side of the grill and put the Poppers on the other side.
- You can try out different kinds of bacon but I’d suggest using a “thinner” style of bacon instead of thick cut. I’m all about thick cut bacon for breakfast, but it won’t work as well on this recipe.
- Experiment with cheese! Try out some Pepper Jack Cheese for some added heat. Or blend in some Mozzarella or another soft cheese along with the Cheddar.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Grilled Jalapeno Poppers. These bite sized, bacon wrapped bombs of spicy flavor are just the thing next time you need a solid appetizer recipe!

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 5 fresh jalapenos
- 1 8- ounce package cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon chopped
- 10 strips uncooked bacon
Instructions
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Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set aside.
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Add the cream cheese to a medium bowl and season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Add the cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Stir to combine all ingredients.
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Scoop the cream cheese mixture into the jalapenos, being careful not to overfill.
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Wrap one strip of bacon around each jalapeno, making sure to cover the entire pepper.
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Place the jalapeno poppers on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid. Cook for 30 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through.
Debra says
Can I make these in the oven?
Kathy says
Absolutely! I would bake for 20 -25 minutes in a 400 degree oven.