Add a little heat to your next gathering with these Grilled Jalapeño Poppers!
Guys. It’s here. It’s happening. Football season is upon us. I know I haven’t been able to stop talking about it, but football really is more than a sport to me. It’s a whole season to celebrate—not unlike Halloween or Christmas! There are decorations, costumes, social gatherings, and, of course, foooood!
Game-day food is absolutely elite! You’ll catch me constantly scrolling through FFF for new, fun recipes to make on Sundays and positioned happily at the table snacking away throughout each win and loss. From potato skins to boneless wings, there’s nothing I crave more than the game-day grazing table. But my MVP of the upcoming season is 100% going to be these grilled jalapeño poppers.
If you love jalapeños and you love cheese, then you’ll love these grilled jalapeño poppers! They’re stuffed with both cream cheese and shredded cheese and grilled instead of fried for a healthier (and, in my opinion, tastier) alternative to the classic appetizer. The creamy filling is also studded with the bright crunch of green onion.
I discovered grilled jalapeño poppers over the summer and knew they would be the perfect addition to this season’s lineup of snackies. They’re the perfect combination of a healthy snack and pub-inspired flavors, so I know everybody will love them, and nobody will be able to resist munching on them throughout the watch party!
Are Grilled Jalapeño Poppers Healthy?
These grilled jalapeño poppers are a healthier alternative to the breaded and fried version you’ve probably tried before. Unlike frying, this recipe uses no oil at all! This version of the dish requires just a few ingredients, including the star of the show: jalapeños! Jalapeños are a source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and they’re also low in calories. Green onions provide some vitamin C.
The two cheeses provide protein, but they are high in saturated fat, so consuming these in moderation is key. To make this dish healthier, opt for low-fat cheese.
This dish is gluten-free and keto. If you’re vegan, I encourage you to experiment with plant-based cheeses.
Let’s Get Cheesy
The filling for these grilled jalapeño poppers is made almost entirely of cheese. To achieve maximum flavor, you’ll want to choose your cheeses wisely. For the cream cheese base, choose a full-fat cream cheese for maximum flavor, and make sure it has softened at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading. I always go with a tub, but softening a block is fine, too.
Now for the shredded cheeses; you can have some fun playing with flavor, but one of my favorite combinations is a masterful blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack to add an extra spicy kick and score big with your guests. You could take the shortcut and buy pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grating your cheeses will allow them to melt better. Shredded cheese has preservatives to keep it from clumping, but freshly shredded cheese does not!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can store leftovers in the freezer for 3 months as well.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled jalapeño poppers are going to be a total touchdown with your football crew! Serve them in addition to your traditional game-day spread. If you need inspo from FFF, I suggest other grabbable snacks, like chips with this Chicken Wing Dip, bowls of these Garlic Fries, and my favorite Chipotle Corn Salsa.
Grilled jalapeño poppers are also a great addition to your average night on the grill! Serve them alongside these BBQ Pork Chops and a side of Grilled Sweet Potatoes for an epic cookout meal.
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 425°F to 450°F.
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon or a jalapeño corer.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and salt until well combined. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed jalapeños on the grill, close the lid, and grill for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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