Colorado Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Jalapeños

Introduction

These bacon-wrapped grilled jalapeños are the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Fresh jalapeños are stuffed with rich cream cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and grilled on the Arteflame for the perfect char. Using the Arteflame’s flat top cooktop ensures an even sear that locks in flavor without burning. This easy, flavorful appetizer is ideal for your next cookout.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh jalapeños
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 10 slices of bacon
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Toothpicks (for securing bacon)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños

1. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

1. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon.
2. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during grilling.

Step 4: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Place a bit of butter on the flat cooktop.
2. Lay the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the cooktop near the center for higher heat.
3. Grill for about 5–7 minutes per side until the bacon becomes crispy and slightly charred.
4. Move them to a cooler part of the cooktop for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp up fully.
5. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for more crunch.
• Adjust heat zones for optimal cooking—closer to the center for a quick sear, further out for gentle cooking.
• Experiment with different wood types to enhance the smoky flavor.

Variations

1. Cheddar-Stuffed Jalapeños: Replace cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
2. Maple-Glazed Jalapeños: Brush bacon with maple syrup while grilling for a sweet contrast.
3. Spicy Chorizo Jalapeños: Add cooked chorizo to the cream cheese filling for extra heat.
4. BBQ Bacon Jalapeños: Glaze with BBQ sauce in the final minutes of grilling.
5. Goat Cheese & Honey Jalapeños: Substitute cream cheese with goat cheese and drizzle with honey before serving.

Conclusion

These bacon-wrapped grilled jalapeños are the ultimate smoky-spicy appetizer, made even better on the Arteflame grill. The even heat ensures perfect grilling, while the bacon crisps to perfection. Whether for game nights, summer BBQs, or weekend grilling sessions, they are always a hit.

Best Pairings

• Cold craft beer or a smoky bourbon
• Grilled steak or BBQ ribs
• Grilled corn on the cob
• A crisp coleslaw or fresh garden salad