Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Now that we have crossed into the summer season, it’s time to grill all the food! If you’re anything like me, you try to use the grill as often as possible in the warmer months of the year. And by that, I mean that I try to eat at friends’ houses who have a grill…because I do not. This grilled jalapeño poppers recipe is a family favorite and I swear it will quickly become a favorite for you, too!
If you have ever tried breaded/fried jalapeño poppers and thought to yourself “these are tasty but heeeeavy,” then this recipe is for you! I like to think of this as lightened up jalapeño poppers. Or as light as you can consider something that is still stuffed with cheese 😀 This recipe is inexpensive, simple and delicious. And what more could you ask for on a summer night?!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh jalapeños
- 2 blocks cream cheese or neufchatel cheese
- 12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- rubber gloves
Directions
- Mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chili powder
- PUT ON RUBBER GLOVES to slice the jalapeños lengthwise
- Using a spoon, scoop out the jalapeño guts (if you like a lot of spice, leave a few seeds)
- Stuff the jalapeño halves with the cheese mixture
- Sprinkle the stuffed peppers with bread crumbs or panko
- With the grill on low, place a sheet of foil over the grates and put the poppers on top of the foil to cook
- When the poppers start bubbling and lightly browning, take them off the grill and serve with Ranch dressing
Hot tip – please please please wear rubber gloves when cutting and scooping the jalapeños. Even if your skin isn’t sensitive, it doesn’t hurt to wear them just in case! Quick story – when I was about 15, I was helping my mom prepare these without gloves on and my hands turned cherry red and ballooned up within minutes of touching the peppers. NOT FUN. Don’t let that happen to you!
This grilled jalapeño poppers recipe is a great dish to serve at a BBQ or cookout because it makes a ton! They’re not the prettiest appetizer in the world, but they are one of the tastiest! And I wouldn’t be a good Midwesterner if I didn’t remind you to serve them with Ranch. Enjoy!
