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Flavorful Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Easy Grill Recipe

brown sugar bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers - featured image

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers combine the heat of jalapeños with the sweet caramelization of brown sugar and crispy bacon, creating a perfect smoky and sweet snack that’s quick and easy to prepare on the grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 fresh medium-sized jalapeño peppers
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar per bacon piece (about 3 teaspoons total)
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky or spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jalapeños (10 minutes): Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully scrape out the seeds and membranes to control heat level. Set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Filling (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  3. Stuff the Peppers (10 minutes): Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Avoid overfilling.
  4. Wrap with Bacon and Brown Sugar (5 minutes): Cut bacon slices in half. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar evenly over each bacon piece. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half tightly with bacon and secure with a soaked toothpick.
  5. Preheat the Grill (5 minutes): Heat grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the Poppers (15-20 minutes): Place poppers on the grill seam side down first. Grill for 7-10 minutes per side, turning carefully until bacon is crisp and cheese is melted. Use indirect heat if bacon chars too fast.
  7. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Remove poppers from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Soak toothpicks in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Control grill heat to avoid burning bacon before cheese melts. Brown sugar caramelizes quickly; turn poppers often and adjust placement as needed. Gloves recommended when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Can prep poppers up to 4 hours ahead, adding brown sugar just before grilling. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently in oven to crisp bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, brown sugar, grilled appetizer, spicy snack, easy grill recipe, smoky, sweet, cheese stuffed