Randy Chandler
Grilled jalapeño poppers are a classic appetizer or side dish for any backyard barbecue. They are easy to make and can be prepared in several ways. The basic recipe involves filling jalapeño peppers with a mixture of cheeses, such as cream cheese and cheddar, and wrapping them in bacon. The poppers are then grilled to perfection, resulting in a spicy, cheesy, and bacon-y treat that is sure to be a crowd favourite.
Grilled Jalapeno with Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Side Dish, Main Course |
| Ingredients | Jalapeno Peppers, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Spices and Seasonings (e.g. chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper) |
| Equipment | Grill, Skillet, Spoon, Knife, Toothpicks |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-40 minutes, depending on the recipe and heat of the grill |
| Serving Suggestions | Garnish with crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro, tomato |
| Variations | Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Breaded Jalapeno Poppers, Baked Jalapeno Poppers, Sausage-stuffed Jalapenos, Tuna Stuffed Jalapenos |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a cheese filling for grilled jalapenos
Grilled jalapeno peppers are a classic appetizer or side dish, perfect for any backyard barbecue. The key to a good jalapeno popper is the cheese filling and, of course, the bacon.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan (optional)
- Spices and seasonings (e.g. chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)
- Jalapeno peppers
- Bacon
Method
Firstly, prepare your jalapeno peppers by slicing them in half lengthwise and coring out the seeds and white membrane with a small spoon or a jalapeno corer. The white membrane contains most of the heat, so if you like it spicy, you can chop up the innards and add some or all of it into your cheese filling.
Next, make your cheese filling by combining equal parts softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar, and Parmesan if you like, in a bowl. You can add your chosen spices and seasonings to taste.
Now, carefully stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese filling. Be careful not to overfill them.
Finally, wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Your jalapeno poppers are now ready to be grilled!
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How to prepare jalapenos for grilling
Grilled jalapeno poppers are a classic appetizer or side dish, perfect for any backyard barbecue. Preparing jalapenos for grilling is simple and can be done in several ways. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Slice the Jalapenos:
Using a sharp knife, slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. You can keep the stems on or remove them—it's up to you. This step is crucial as it allows you to remove the seeds and create a cavity for the cheese filling.
Core and Seed the Jalapenos:
Use a small spoon, a jalapeno corer, or the handle of a teaspoon to carefully scrape out the seeds and white membranes from the sliced jalapenos. Be gentle to avoid tearing the jalapeno halves. The seeds and membranes can be discarded or saved for later if you want to add some extra spice to your cheese filling.
Make the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add other cheeses like Parmesan. Mix them together until you have a well-blended, creamy mixture. Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to the cheese mixture, such as chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, or a touch of salt and pepper. If you want some extra spice, chop up the reserved seeds and membranes and mix them into the cheese filling.
Stuff the Jalapenos:
Now it's time to fill the jalapeno halves with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to carefully fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill. You want the filling to be level with the top of the jalapeno or just below it.
Wrap with Bacon (Optional):
For an extra indulgent treat, wrap each stuffed jalapeno half with a slice of bacon. You can secure the bacon with toothpicks, which should be removed before serving. Some people prefer to use the bacon as a filling only, while others like to wrap and fill their jalapeno poppers for a double dose of bacon goodness.
Your jalapenos are now prepared and ready for grilling! Fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious, cheesy, and spicy grilled jalapeno poppers.
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How to grill jalapenos with cheese
Grilled jalapeño poppers are a classic appetizer or side dish perfect for any backyard barbecue. They are easy to make and can be prepared in several ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill jalapeños with cheese:
Ingredients
- Jalapeño peppers
- Cheese (cream cheese, cheddar, or a mix of both)
- Bacon (thin or regular sliced)
- Seasonings of your choice (co: 4,6,15>chilli powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)
- Oil for the grill
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium or high heat, aiming for around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
- Make the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. You can also add spices to the cheese mixture for extra heat.
- Prep the jalapeños: Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. You can leave the stems on or remove them, depending on your preference. Use a small spoon or a jalapeno corer to remove the seeds and white membranes, creating a hollow space for the filling.
- Stuff the jalapeños: Carefully fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill, leaving some space at the top.
- Wrap with bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed jalapeño. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, if needed.
- Grill the poppers: Place the poppers on the preheated grill, cheese side up. Grill for 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The poppers are done when the bacon is cooked to your liking and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the toothpicks and transfer the grilled jalapeño poppers to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, or extra crumbled bacon. Serve them hot and enjoy!
The total grilling time may vary depending on the size of the poppers, the thickness of the bacon, and the consistency of the heat on your grill. Remember to practice grill safety and always keep an eye on your food to avoid overcooking or flare-ups due to bacon grease. Enjoy your delicious grilled jalapeño poppers!
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How to serve grilled jalapenos with cheese
Grilled jalapenos with cheese are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to serve them:
Choose Your Cheese:
For the classic approach, fill the jalapenos with a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar cheese. You can also add other shredded cheeses, such as Parmesan or blue cheese, to the filling for a more complex flavor. The key is to use a melty cheese that will ooze and complement the spiciness of the jalapeno.
Wrap Them in Bacon:
Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a popular variation. After stuffing the jalapenos with cheese, wrap each one in a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Grill the poppers until the bacon is crispy and browned, being careful to avoid flare-ups caused by bacon fat rendering.
Seasonings and Garnishes:
Feel free to experiment with seasonings and garnishes to enhance the flavor of your grilled jalapenos. You can add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. For extra spice, chop up the cored innards of the jalapenos and mix them into the filling. When serving, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, or even crumbled bacon for a decadent touch.
Grilling Techniques:
Preheat your grill to medium or high heat, depending on your desired doneness. Grill the jalapeno poppers for 10 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning. If you're using thicker-cut bacon, consider using indirect heat to ensure the bacon cooks through without the outside burning.
Serving Suggestions:
Grilled jalapeno poppers make a great appetizer or side dish for a backyard barbecue or party. You can serve them as-is or with a dipping sauce on the side, such as a warm blue cheese dip. They also go well with tortilla chips, creating a spicy and cheesy snack. For a heartier meal, try making a jalapeno popper grilled cheese sandwich by placing the stuffed jalapenos between slices of bread and grilling until the cheese is melted.
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Variations of grilled jalapenos with cheese
There are several ways to make grilled jalapenos with cheese, and they can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. Here are some variations:
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
This classic variation involves stuffing jalapeno peppers with a mixture of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, along with seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. The jalapenos are then wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection. This version can be made in different ways, such as oven-baked, broiled, or smoked, but grilling is a popular choice.
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This variation transforms the jalapeno popper into a grilled cheese sandwich. The filling is a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and pickled jalapeno, with the addition of crushed chips and shredded cheese. This mixture is spread onto buttered ciabatta or sourdough bread, grilled until golden brown, and served hot. It's a fun twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich and can be paired with warm tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Similar to the classic popper, this variation focuses on wrapping the stuffed jalapenos with bacon. The jalapenos are filled with spiced cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and grilled until the bacon is cooked through. These poppers make a great appetiser or party snack and can be garnished with extra crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped cilantro.
Extra Spicy Jalapeno Poppers
For those who enjoy a spicier dish, this variation involves adding the cored innards of the jalapenos to the cheese filling mixture. The innards, or "whitish" parts, contain most of the heat, so including them will certainly bring up the spice level of the poppers. This version can be made with any type of cheese and is perfect for those who like their food extra hot.
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Frequently asked questions
To grill jalapenos with cheese, first, preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees F. Next, slice jalapenos in half and scrape out the seeds and ribs with a spoon. Then, mix your choice of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, or parmesan, in a bowl. You can also add spices like garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Once your mixture is ready, scoop it into the jalapeno halves and wrap each jalapeno with a slice of bacon. Finally, place the jalapenos on the grill and cook until the bacon is crispy, which should take about 10-20 minutes.
Grilling jalapeno poppers usually takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the poppers, the thickness of the bacon, and the consistency of the heat on your grill. Keep an eye on the poppers and adjust the grilling time as needed.
There are several cheeses that work well for grilled jalapeno poppers. Cream cheese is a popular choice, often combined with shredded cheddar cheese. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like parmesan, blue cheese, or shredded cheese.
To make spicy jalapeno poppers, you can save the cored-out innards of the jalapenos, chop them up, and add them to your cheese filling mixture. The whitish innards contain most of the heat, so adding them back into the mixture will give your poppers an extra kick. You can also increase the spice level by using spicier chili powders in your seasoning blend.
Grilled jalapeno poppers make a great appetizer or side dish for a backyard barbecue. You can serve them with various toppings and garnishes, such as fresh chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, or extra crumbled bacon. They also go well with tortilla chips or a simple side salad.
