Name: Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: [object Object]

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These Grilled Jalapeno Poppers are a fiery and smoky appetizer that combines the heat of jalapenos with a creamy, cheesy filling and a tangy roasted red pepper sauce. With flavors of goat cheese, cheddar, and sweet corn, these poppers are perfect for grilling season or any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Grilled Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, making them irresistible for anyone who enjoys bold flavors. The combination of smoky grilled jalapenos, a rich cheese filling, and a sweet, tangy roasted red pepper sauce creates a mouthwatering appetizer. The addition of grilled corn and green onions adds depth to the filling, while the roasted red pepper sauce offers a zesty contrast. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just for yourself, these poppers are sure to be a hit.

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Jalapenos:
6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 ounces soft goat cheese
4 ounces shredded white cheddar
3 ears corn, shucked, grilled, and kernels removed
2 green onions, grilled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chili powder
Kosher salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
8 jalapeno chiles, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon smoked paprika

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
1 red bell pepper, grilled, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Jalapeno Poppers:

Prepare the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the grilled corn, grilled green onions, salt, and pepper, then mix until fully combined.
Stuff the Jalapenos: Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Fill each jalapeno half with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle the filled jalapenos with chili powder and smoked paprika.
Grill the Jalapeno Poppers: Place the stuffed jalapenos on the grill, filling side up. Grill for about 5-6 minutes, until the jalapenos are slightly charred and tender. Remove from the grill.

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

Grill the Red Pepper: Grill the red bell pepper until the skin is charred. Remove from the grill, peel off the skin, and remove the seeds. Cut the pepper into chunks.
Make the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the grilled red bell pepper, fire roasted diced tomatoes, vinegar, honey, cilantro, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Drizzle the roasted red pepper sauce over the grilled jalapeno poppers and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 poppers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Option: Add some diced fresh chili peppers to the cheese filling for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the honey or use a vegan alternative to make this a vegetarian-friendly appetizer.
Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack cheese instead of white cheddar for a spicy twist on the filling.
Different Sauce: Swap the roasted red pepper sauce for a smoky chipotle mayo for an extra layer of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the poppers in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapenos and stuff them a day ahead. Just cover them and store in the fridge. Grill them right before serving.

2. Can I use regular bell peppers instead of red bell peppers for the sauce?

You can use any color of bell pepper, but red bell peppers provide the best sweetness and smoky flavor for the sauce.

3. How do I remove the seeds from the jalapenos?

After halving the jalapenos, use a spoon or your fingers to scrape out the seeds and membranes inside, which can hold much of the heat.

4. Can I bake these jalapeno poppers instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the poppers at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and the cheese is melted.

5. What can I use instead of goat cheese?

You can use cream cheese or a soft cheese like ricotta as a substitute for goat cheese in the filling.

6. How do I prevent the poppers from being too spicy?

To make the poppers less spicy, remove all of the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. You can also use milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano peppers.

7. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the roasted red pepper sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving if desired.

8. Can I make this recipe without grilling the vegetables?

While grilling adds a smoky flavor, you can roast the vegetables in the oven as an alternative.

9. Can I freeze the jalapeno poppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed jalapenos before grilling. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Grill them from frozen when ready to serve.

10. What’s the best way to serve these poppers?

Serve these poppers as an appetizer for a BBQ or as a side dish with grilled meats. Pair with a cold drink for the perfect bite.

Conclusion

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers with a creamy cheese filling and tangy roasted red pepper sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Smoky, spicy, and savory, these poppers are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a party or just craving a bold snack, these poppers will not disappoint!