Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Jalapeno Poppers with Sharp Cheddar

Preheat the grill to medium and set up for indirect heat on one side.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 12 large jalapenos, halved and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 12 slices thin-cut bacon, halved
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Wooden toothpicks, soaked in water

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium and set up for indirect heat on one side.
2. Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder and chives until smooth.
3. Spoon the cheese filling generously into each jalapeno half.
4. Wrap each stuffed half with a piece of bacon and secure with a soaked toothpick.
5. Sprinkle the bacon lightly with brown sugar for a sweet, caramelized finish.
6. Grill over indirect heat 18–22 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp and the peppers soften.
7. Move them over direct heat for the final 1–2 minutes to crisp the bacon, watching closely so the sugar doesn't burn.
8. Rest 5 minutes before serving so the molten cheese sets enough to hold.
9. Jalapeno poppers are a tailgate and cookout legend across the American South and Southwest, born from the Tex-Mex love of stuffed, fried chiles. Grilling instead of frying gives them smoky depth and lets the bacon crisp over live fire — an irresistible handheld bite for any Fourth of July gathering.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 560mg