Grilled Indiana Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon & Cheese

Introduction

Grilled Indiana Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon & Cheese are a smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy treat perfect for any cookout or backyard gathering. Made with fresh jalapeños, creamy Indiana cheeses, and crispy bacon, these poppers are grilled to perfection on an Arteflame grill. Follow this simple recipe to create an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
• 8 oz Indiana cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Indiana cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the jalapeños

1. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, slightly mounding the filling.

Step 3: Grill the poppers

1. Spread butter over the Arteflame’s flat griddle cooktop.
2. Place the stuffed jalapeños filling-side up onto the cooktop, positioning them in a medium-heat zone.
3. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Carefully remove the jalapeño poppers from the grill using tongs.
2. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and rich flavor.
• For milder poppers, soak the jalapeño halves in cold water for 15 minutes before filling.
• Add a touch of hot sauce to the filling mixture for an extra kick.
• If you prefer smokier flavors, position the poppers closer to the center but not directly over the hottest zone.

Variations

• BBQ Jalapeño Poppers: Mix a tablespoon of barbecue sauce into the cheese filling for a tangy twist.
• Mexican-Style Poppers: Add crumbled chorizo and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a bold, spicy flavor.
• Veggie Lover’s Poppers: Replace bacon with finely chopped grilled mushrooms and onions.
• Buffalo-Style Poppers: Mix in buffalo sauce and top each popper with blue cheese crumbles.
• Extra Crunch Poppers: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the filling before grilling.

Best pairings

• Cold craft beer
• Grilled steak or burgers
• Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
• Smoky grilled corn on the cob
• Cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Conclusion

Grilled Indiana Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate grilled appetizer, combining smoky flavors, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a backyard gathering, these poppers will be a hit!