Southwestern Grilled Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

(Chad A Elick)

Summer certainly is the time for grilling; to be honest I would be perfectly happy if I didn’t turn my oven on at all during the summer.  With temps of 100 plus all summer, I am sure you can relate.

I started thinking of the foods I love in a whole new way, and since a grill works just like an oven AND a stove, why not cook accordingly?  I love, love, love jalapeno poppers, but wanted them without turning on the oven or standing in front of a pot of boiling oil.  So, I turned to the grill.

This grilled take on jalapeno poppers is absolutely perfect and perhaps even more yummy than the traditional recipe.  These jalapenos are stuffed with a scrumptious southwestern cheese blend, wrapped in bacon, then grilled to perfection!  The entire recipe goes go from prep to plate in 30 minutes and are the perfect addition to your summer barbecue.

With love from our Simple Kitchen to yours!

Southwestern Grilled Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

By DONNA ELICK

• MAKES

  14-18 poppers

• ACTIVE TIME

  30 min.

• TOTAL TIME

  30 min.

• SAVE RECIPE
• PRINT

INGREDIENTS

• 14-18 medium jalapeno peppers
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz shredded colby jack cheese
• 1 Tbsp Mrs Dash SW Chipotle Seasoning
• 1 lb bacon , (1 slice per jalapeno)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat grill to medium high.
2. Slice jalapenos lengthwise from stem to tip, leaving the stem intact. Use a small spoon to scrape the seeds and veins from jalapenos.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cheeses and seasoning. Gently squeeze the stem and tip of jalapeno to open the sliced pocket. Add about 1½ tablespoons of mixture to each jalapeno. Set aside.
4. Wrap each jalapeno with a slice of bacon using 1 or 2 toothpicks to secure the bacon.
5. Place poppers on the grill cut side down. YES, down. Once the top has cooked and the cheese starts to soften, use a spatula to loosen the bacon from the grill and flip. Cook until bacon is cooked through about 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy!

COOK'S NOTE

If you have a problem with flare-ups on your grill, place a piece of aluminum foil over the grill grates and set the poppers on top.

You can also bake these in the oven. Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes.

KITCHEN COUNTER

Makes 14-18 poppers.