Cream Cheese Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers (Oven or Grill)
Creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers can be baked in the oven or cooked on the grill. They're an easy appetizer for game day, parties, barbecues, or any gathering.
250gfull-fat block cream cheese, at room temperature (about 20–22°C / 68–72°F, softened until pipeable)
56g(½ cup)[OPTIONAL] shredded sharp cheddar cheese/ monterey jack cheese
2stalks[OPTIONAL] green onions, finely chopped
½teaspoon[OPTIONAL] garlic powder
¼teaspoon[OPTIONAL] smoked paprika
12slicesregular-cut bacon, not thick-cut
Honey Butter Glaze
84g(¼ cup)honey
14g(1 tablespoon)unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the jalapeños. Slice off the stem end of each pepper.
12 pcs small to medium jalapeños
Insert a chopstick through the opening and gently twist it around the inside of the pepper to loosen the seeds and white membranes. Turn the pepper upside down and shake out the loosened pieces. Repeat until the jalapeño is mostly hollow. A narrow wooden spoon handle, small butter knife, or paring knife can be used instead.
Stir the softened cream cheese until smooth. For the optional seasoned filling, mix in the shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
250g full-fat block cream cheese, at room temperature (about 20–22°C / 68–72°F, softened until pipeable), 56g (½ cup) [OPTIONAL] shredded sharp cheddar cheese/ monterey jack cheese, 2 stalks [OPTIONAL] green onions, finely chopped, ½ teaspoon [OPTIONAL] garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon [OPTIONAL] smoked paprika
Transfer the filling to a piping bag, or place it in a zip-top bag (such as a Ziploc) and cut a small corner opening about 1/2 inch wide. Pipe the filling into each jalapeño until nearly full. Do not overfill.
Wrap one slice of regular-cut bacon around each jalapeño, slightly overlapping the bacon as you wrap. Place the bacon seam-side down or secure it with a toothpick.
12 slices regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut
Stir the honey and melted butter together until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a lightly greased wire rack on top, if available.
Arrange the filled and wrapped jalapeños on the rack with space between them. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and beginning to crisp.
During the final 5 to 8 minutes, brush the bacon with the honey butter glaze. Return to the oven until the glaze is bubbling and lightly caramelized.
Broil briefly for crispier bacon, if desired. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.
Grill Method
Preheat the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F.
Grill the jalapeños over indirect heat with the lid closed for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is cooked and browned.
During the final 5 to 8 minutes, brush the poppers with the honey butter glaze. Continue grilling until lightly caramelized.
Allow the poppers to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.