Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
You make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill by preparing fresh peppers, wrapping them in bacon, and cooking them over indirect heat until the bacon crisps up perfectly.
This is one of those appetizers that disappears faster than you can make them, and once you learn how to make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, you’ll never want them any other way.
The smoky flavor from the grill takes these little bites to a whole new level that your oven just can’t replicate.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just want a killer snack for game day, knowing how to make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill is a skill you’ll use all summer long.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, from picking the right peppers to getting that perfect crispy bacon texture.
Let’s fire up the grill and get started.
Why You’ll Love Making Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos On The Grill
There’s a reason why bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill are a crowd favorite, and it’s not just because they look impressive on a platter.
When you make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, you get that irresistible combination of spicy, salty, and creamy all in one bite.
The grill adds a smoky char to the bacon that you simply can’t get indoors, and the heat helps mellow out the raw bite of the jalapeno.
Plus, making bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill is actually pretty simple once you get the hang of a few key techniques.
Here’s why this method works so well:
1. The Grill Gives You Even Heat Distribution
When you make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, you’re using both direct and indirect heat zones.
This means you can sear the bacon to get it started, then move the peppers to a cooler side to finish cooking without burning the outside.
Getting that balance right is the secret to perfectly cooked bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill.
2. Smoky Flavor Infuses Every Bite
Unlike baking in the oven, making bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill imparts a deep, woodsy flavor into the bacon and the pepper filling.
The smoke from the charcoal or wood chips wraps around each pepper, giving your bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill a complexity that’s hard to beat.
3. You Control the Crispness
Some folks like their bacon chewy, while others want it shatter-crisp.
When you make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, you have total control over the final texture by adjusting the cooking time and grill temperature.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos On The Grill Step By Step
Now, let’s get into the actual process of how to make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill.
It’s easier than you think, and once you do it a couple of times, you’ll be able to whip up a batch without even looking at a recipe.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, make sure you have everything ready.
You’ll need fresh jalapenos, thick-cut bacon, and a filling of your choice, like cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar.
Using thick-cut bacon is a game-changer when you make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill because it holds up better to the heat and doesn’t shrink as much.
Step 2: Prep The Jalapenos
Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white membranes.
If you want to make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill with less heat, removing the membranes is essential because that’s where most of the spice lives.
Wear gloves while doing this, and avoid touching your eyes or face afterward.
Step 3: Stuff The Peppers
Fill each jalapeno half with your cream cheese mixture, piling it slightly above the edge.
Don’t overstuff them, though, because the filling can ooze out while you’re making bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill.
Step 4: Wrap With Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed jalapeno half, securing the ends with a toothpick.
Make sure the bacon covers the filling as much as possible so it stays inside while you cook bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill.
Step 5: Preheat The Grill For Indirect Heat
Preheat your grill to about 375°F to 400°F.
Set it up for two-zone cooking, meaning one side is hot (direct heat) and the other side is cooler (indirect heat).
This setup is crucial when you make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill because it prevents flare-ups from the bacon fat.
Step 6: Grill The Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Place the bacon wrapped jalapenos on the indirect heat side of the grill first.
Close the lid and let them cook for about 20 to 25 minutes.
After that time, move them over to the direct heat side for the last 3 to 5 minutes to crisp up the bacon.
Keep a close eye on them during this final stage so they don’t burn while you’re making bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill.
Tips For Perfect Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos On The Grill
Even though the process is straightforward, a few extra tips can help you master how to make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill like a pro.
1. Par-Cook The Bacon First
If you want extra crispy bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill, pre-cook the bacon slices for about 5 minutes in a skillet.
This renders out some fat and gives you a head start on crisping.
Just let the bacon cool slightly before wrapping, so you don’t burn your fingers.
2. Use A Grill Mat Or Foil
Bacon fat can cause flare-ups, and small pieces of filling might fall through the grates.
Placing a grill mat or a sheet of aluminum foil with holes poked in it under your bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill helps keep things clean and prevents loss.
3. Don’t Skip The Toothpicks
Toothpicks are your best friend when you make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill.
They hold the bacon in place as it shrinks, so the wrap stays snug around the pepper during cooking.
Soak the toothpicks in water for 20 minutes first to prevent them from burning on the grill.
So, How Do You Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos On The Grill?
You make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill by following a simple sequence of prepping, stuffing, wrapping, and grilling over two heat zones.
Start with fresh jalapenos, fill them with cream cheese, wrap them in thick-cut bacon, and cook them low and slow before a final crisping over direct heat.
The result is a smoky, spicy, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for any cookout, and now you know exactly how to make bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill yourself.
Fire up those coals, grab your ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with your new grilling skills.