Sarasota's Grilled Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos
Recipe: #10320
August 16, 2013
Categories: Snacks, Bacon, Cheese, Appetizers, Mexican, Southwest, One-Pot Meal, Game/Sports Day, July 4th Labor Day, Grilling (Outdoor), Gluten-Free, Low Carbohydrate, No Eggs, Fresh Tomatoes, Hot Peppers, Spicy, more
"My favorite recipe for stuffing jalapenos. Originally, this came from a small BBQ cookbook; but, there are thousands of variations on this same recipe. I always cut mine in half; that way, the cheese doesn't ooze out, and they are just easier to grill in my opinion. The recipe makes approximately 12-16 peppers, depending on the size."
Original is 7 servings
Ingredients
-
-
-
- Garnish:
-
-
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (311.6 g)
- Calories 170.2
- Total Fat - 6.4 g
- Saturated Fat - 3.3 g
- Cholesterol - 16.9 mg
- Sodium - 344 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 18.7 g
- Dietary Fiber - 5.3 g
- Sugars - 10.9 g
- Protein - 10.4 g
- Calcium - 238.9 mg
- Iron - 1.2 mg
- Vitamin C - 317.8 mg
- Thiamin - 0.2 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Notes: For the bacon, you can use any method you want to prepare it. You could even use the "REAL" bacon bits if you wanted. For 2 pieces, I cook mine in the microwave. Add a paper towel to a plate, top with the bacon, and top with another paper towel. Just a couple of minutes on medium high, and it's done. But, any method you like. Once it is done, crumble and set to the side. For the cheese, make sure that it is finely grated.
Step 2
Filling ... In a medium size bowl, add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions, garlic (make sure to grate it over the bowl to get all the juice), lime juice, bacon, and salt; mix well to combine. Then, stir in the tomatoes; trying not to break them up too much.
Step 3
Jalapenos ... Cut the jalapenos in half, leaving the stems on; then, remove the seeds and the ribs. That is where all the heat is. This recipe will make 12-16 peppers; but, it really depends on the size (I plan on 2-3 per person), on average.
Step 4
Stuff ... Using a small spoon, add the filling to the jalapenoshalves. TIP: If you spray the spoon with a little non-stick spray, the cheese will slide off much easier. You can also use a little canola or vegetable oil too. These can easily be made in advance; and, refrigerated until ready to grill. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before grilling.
Step 5
Grill ... I like a medium to medium high heat grill. These are really best on an outdoor grill; but you can use a grill pan. My friends bake theirs; but, I have never tried that. They bake them at 400 degrees. I add the peppers directly to the grate, and grill approximately 10-12 minutes. You want the peppers to soften slightly, and get a nice char on the bottom; and, the cheese will warm and get 'melty,' and a little golden brown on top.
Step 6
Finish, Serve, and ENJOY! ... Plate, and squeeze a bit more lime juice over the top, garnish with extra lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. A perfect easy appetizer to entertain with. They are absolutely delicious!
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting jalapenos, choose the ones that are firm and have no blemishes.
- For the bacon, try using thick-sliced bacon for a more robust flavor.
- Tomato: Use roasted red peppers instead for a smoky flavor. Roasted red peppers will add a smoky flavor to the jalapenos, making the dish even more delicious.
- Bacon: Use vegetarian bacon to make the recipe vegan-friendly. Vegetarian bacon is a great substitute for traditional bacon, which will make the recipe suitable for vegans.
Buffalo Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos Replace the cream cheese with Buffalo sauce, and replace the cheddar cheese with blue cheese. Cook the bacon in the oven, and top the peppers with a bit of ranch dressing before serving.
BBQ Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Jalapenos Replace the cream cheese with BBQ sauce, and replace the blue cheese with cheddar cheese. Cook the bacon in the oven, and top the peppers with a bit of BBQ sauce before serving.
: Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
: This Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad is the perfect accompaniment to Sarasota's Grilled Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos. The sweet and smoky flavors of the grilled corn, combined with the creamy avocado and the zesty lime juice, provide a delicious contrast to the spicy jalapenos. Plus, it's a great way to add a healthy side dish to your meal.
RECOMMENDED DISH TITLE: Grilled Zucchini and Tomato Skewers
RECOMMENDED DISH DESCRIPTION: These Grilled Zucchini and Tomato Skewers provide a fresh, flavorful contrast to the smoky, cheesy jalapenos. The zucchini and tomatoes are lightly charred on the grill, adding a nice smokiness to the dish, while the garlic and olive oil add a delicious depth of flavor. This simple dish is a great way to add a healthy, vegetarian option to your meal.
FAQ
Q: How do I cook bacon for this recipe?
A: You can cook the bacon using any method you prefer. I usually cook mine in the microwave with a paper towel on top and bottom, on medium high for a couple of minutes. You can also use the "REAL" bacon bits if you want.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
A: Some good side dishes to serve with this recipe include roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a grain like quinoa or rice. You could also serve a light soup or stew.
0 Reviews
You'll Also Love
Fun facts:
The jalapeno pepper is native to Mexico and was first cultivated by the Aztecs. It is named after the city of Xalapa, which is now known as Veracruz.
The combination of bacon and cheese has been popular since the 1950s, when it was famously served at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. It has been a favorite of celebrities ever since.