Grilled Jalapeños Poppers

Close up of grilled jalapeño poppers with golden melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs

Grilled jalapeño poppers are filled with a creamy mix of goat cheese, cream cheese, bacon, and roasted onion, then cooked until tender with a light char. An easy, flavor-packed appetizer for cookouts or game day.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 137kcal

Author Katie G.

Ingredients

2-3 slices center-cut bacon
1/4 cup chopped white onion
2 garlic cloves chopped
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces cream cheese softened
4 ounces soft goat cheese
¼ cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
½ a lime for juicing
14-16 jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped tomato

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange bacon slices on the foil.
In the center of a second sheet of aluminum foil, add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin and olive oil. Fold foil around the mixture and seal tightly. Place the sealed foil pouch in an oven safe dish and place in the oven with the bacon. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is brown and crispy and the onions are soft and fragrant. Remove from the oven. Be sure to move the bacon to a paper towel to let cool. Open the foil pouch and let cool. Be careful of steam.
Once cool, chop the bacon and combine with the onion mixture, cheeses, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Stir until mixed.
Preheat the grill to medium to high heat.
Using a small spoon fill the peppers and place cheese side up on a grill pan (I sprayed the pan with cooking spray).
Grill with the top closed for about 8 minutes until the bottoms are charred and the cheese is browned. Sprinkle with cilantro and tomato. Serve warm.

Notes

For milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes before filling.
Let cheeses come to room temperature for a smoother filling.
You can prep and stuff the peppers ahead, then cook just before serving.
Oven option: bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until tender and bubbly.

Want more details? Scroll up for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.

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