Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

When summer backyard barbecue season rolls around, there’s no better way to start your meal than with grilled jalapeno poppers. Each bite of these hot peppers has a mildly spiced cheese spread that mellows out the heat. Even better? They’re one of those crowd-favorite appetizer recipes you can prep up to two days in advance. Your summer grilling season is about to get a lot spicier!

Ingredients for Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

• Cream cheese: For a filling that comes together quickly, be sure to allow the cream cheese to soften first.
• Monterey Jack cheese: This recipe calls for mild-flavored Monterey Jack. For the freshest flavor and best meltability, shred the cheese yourself. Other cheeses that would be tasty in this recipe include cheddar cheese, goat cheese or mozzarella.
• Seasonings: The cheese filling gets an extra hit of flavor and heat with the addition of garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt and smoked paprika.
• Jalapeno peppers: Look for medium-sized jalapeno peppers that are similar in size. To control the heat in this recipe, carefully remove the seeds and ribs, as these parts contribute most to the spiciness.

Directions

Step 1: Make the filling and prep the peppers

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt and paprika.

Wearing gloves to protect your skin from the hot oils of the peppers, cut a lengthwise slit down each pepper, leaving the stem intact. Remove the membranes and seeds. Fill each pepper with 1 tablespoon cheese mixture.

Step 2: Grill the peppers

Prepare the grill for indirect heat. Place the peppers in a disposable foil pan. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for eight to 10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

• Wrap ’em in bacon: To make bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on the grill, wrap each stuffed pepper with a single slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon to the pepper. Preheat the grill to high heat, and lightly oil the grill. Grill, turning frequently until bacon is cooked through and crispy, about 10 minutes. For even more pork goodness, try our bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos.
• Step up the stuffing: While many jalapeno popper-inspired recipes include cream cheese and seasonings, you can get more creative with the filling. For example, add 1/2 pound your favorite cooked meat, such as ground beef, ground turkey or crumbled Italian sausage. Or play around with the seasonings and add fresh herbs, like chopped cilantro or basil, to the filling.
• Bake them in the oven: If it’s not grilling season, you can easily make these stuffed jalapeno poppers in your oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 425°F, and arrange the poppers on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Or preheat the air fryer to 400°, and arrange the poppers in a single layer. Cook until the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Store Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

Grilled stuffed jalapenos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, and bake in a 325° oven until heated through. Or reheat in the microwave, cooking in 30-second increments, until heated through.

Can you make grilled jalapeno poppers in advance?

These grilled stuffed jalapenos are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can fill and stuff the jalapeno peppers up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Pre-assembled jalapeno poppers can also be frozen. To freeze, set the prepped peppers on a baking sheet, and flash freeze for about two hours. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to three months. For best results, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers Tips

At what temperature should you grill jalapeno poppers?

To cook jalapeno poppers on the grill, set your grill to medium heat, which is between 350° and 375°.

Can you replace jalapenos with less-spicy peppers?

If you’re not a fan of the heat in jalapenos, grilled stuffed mini sweet peppers are just as delicious. Look for the little yellow, orange and red peppers that are typically sold in bags in the grocery store.