If you love bacon and cheese, then these Jalapeno Poppers appetizers are for you. They make great sides, or even a main course. Bring them to you next tailgating party. They are sure to be a crowd pleaser, but be sure you grab your plate first, as they are sure to disappear fast! I’ll be honest, this is a pretty basic recipe. If you’ve had one jalapeno popper you’ve pretty much had them all, but then again… it’s jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon! Yum.
Ingredients 12 oz container slightly softened cream cheese (1 1/2 containers) 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (loosely packed) 2 teaspoons fresh cracked pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) 19 whole jalapenos 10 slices thin sliced bacon, cut in half crosswise* 19 toothpicks
TOOLS NEEDED
- apple corer
- filleting knife or other long, thin blade
- nylon or latex kitchen gloves
- medium-sized mixing bowl
- mixing fork
- teaspoon
- cutting board
- Proper J. Popper (TM) grill rack
- Backyard grill OR kitchen oven
Preheat outdoor grill to a medium heat. In medium-sized bowl, mix together slightly softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Set cheese mixture aside. Wash jalapenos and slice off top, set aside. Use a pepper corer to scoop out seeds and white membrane, or lay jalapeno flat on surface and slice lengthwise on one side to expose seeds and membrane, scoop away. Rinse excess seeds away with water and pat jalapenos dry with paper towel. Spray Jalapeno Popper Tray lightly with cooking spray. Take bacon slices and cut in half crosswise. With small spoon, or spatula, scoop cheese mixture into jalapenos. Take bacon slice and wrap around jalapeno and secure with toothpick near top of jalapeno. Set jalapeno top back onto the top opening of jalapeno. Place jalapeno carefully into the
Proper J. Popper Jalapeno Grill Tray opening and repeat until all jalapenos are wrapped with bacon and placed in tray. Set on BBQ and grill for approximately 30 - 35 minutes until bacon is thoroughly cooked and slightly crispy. *You'll end up with a half slice of bacon. Experiment and double wrap a popper!
