Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Smoky BBQ Glaze

Halve the jalapenos lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes for a milder bite.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 12 large jalapenos
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 12 strips thin-cut bacon, halved
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Halve the jalapenos lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes for a milder bite.
2. Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder and smoked paprika into a smooth filling.
3. Spoon the filling generously into each jalapeno half.
4. Wrap each stuffed pepper snugly in a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Stir the BBQ sauce and brown sugar together into a quick glaze.
6. Set up the grill for medium indirect heat and arrange the poppers cut-side up so the filling stays put.
7. Grill with the lid down for 18 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the peppers have softened.
8. Brush with the BBQ glaze in the last few minutes, let the sugar caramelize, then serve hot off the grill.
9. Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a fixture of American cookouts and tailgates, marrying smoky bacon, melty cheese and the gentle heat of grilled peppers in one two-bite package. Moving them from the deep fryer to the grill lets the bacon crisp slowly while the peppers take on woodsmoke, and a sticky BBQ glaze ties them firmly to the backyard barbecue tradition.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 430mg