With brackets mayhem in full meltdown, Jalapeño Poppers belong in any game day spread when everyone is ready for something bold off the grill. As part of our Grillsanity lineup, this fan favorite from Big Swede BBQ brings together smoky bacon, melted cheese, and just the right amount of heat for a bite that feels made for backyard watch parties and relaxed afternoons outdoors.

Each popper delivers a balance of flavor and texture that keeps everyone reaching for another. Fresh jalapeños are filled with a rich cheese mixture, wrapped in bacon, and grilled until the filling turns hot and creamy while the outside cooks to a savory finish. Indirect heat gives the peppers time to soften and the bacon time to render, while a quick finish over stronger heat can add the final touch of crispness. The result is a recipe that feels satisfying, shareable, and full of game day flavor.

This is the kind of finger food appetizer that fits the occasion with ease. Jalapeño poppers are easy to pass around, simple to serve, and packed with the kind of bold flavor that keeps the spread feeling lively from the first whistle to the final play. Whether you are building a full game day menu or adding one more plate to the table, they bring color, warmth, and plenty of personality to the gathering.

We are proud to feature recipes created with Chef Johan Magnusson of Big Swede BBQ, whose approach to outdoor cooking brings bold flavor and an inviting spirit to every dish. For more food inspiration, follow Johan Magnusson of Big Swede BBQ on social media and explore his award-winning rubs and cookbook at BigSwedeBBQ.com.

Jalapeño Poppers Ingredients

  • 18 Whole Jalapeños
  • 18 strips of bacon
  • 10 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 Tbs Big Swede BBQ Badass Pork Boost, or your favorite sweet BBQ rub
  • Additional Pork Boost for seasoning

Jalapeño Poppers Directions

  1. Pre-heat your Summerset grill by igniting all main burners. Then close the hood and allow the grill to heat for 10 to 15 minutes; the hood thermometer should reach approximately 400°. Turn off all the knobs except one.
  2. Wash the jalapeños. Remove the stems and slice each pepper in half lengthwise. De-seed the core and remove the membranes.
  3. Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds until softened. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and 1 tablespoon of Big Swede BBQ Badass Pork Boost. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture.
  5. Cut each bacon slice in half and wrap one half slice around each filled pepper. Secure with a toothpick.
  6. Season the outside lightly with additional Pork Boost.
  7. Place the poppers on the grill over indirect heat. Close the hood and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and browned and the cheese is melted.
  8. Move the bacon briefly to the hot side if needed to crisp it, watching carefully for flare-ups.
  9. Remove the poppers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes. Remove the toothpicks and serve immediately.

Created by our Brand Ambassador, Chef Johan Magnusson of BigSwedeBBQ.com