Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Wraps Recipe

Jalapenos: Medium-sized chili peppers that add a spicy kick to the dish.

Cream cheese: A soft, mild cheese that provides a creamy texture and balances the heat of the jalapenos.

Bacon: Cured meat that adds a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture when grilled.

To ensure the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely, partially cook the bacon slices in a skillet for a few minutes before wrapping them around the jalapenos. This will help render some of the fat and give you a head start on achieving that perfect crispiness without overcooking the jalapenos.

• jalapenos - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers are milder than jalapenos but still provide a nice heat and flavor.

• jalapenos - Substitute with mini bell peppers: For those who prefer no heat, mini bell peppers offer a sweet and crunchy alternative.

• cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture that works well as a filling.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is lighter and provides a slightly different texture but still creamy.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and still provides a similar smoky flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced, cured ham that offers a different but delicious flavor profile.

• Allow the grilled bacon jalapeno wraps to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.

• Place the cooled wraps in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. These wraps will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the wraps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, transfer the wraps to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the wraps directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are heated through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat them on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the frozen wraps for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and crispy.

• Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon rubbery and the cream cheese filling may not heat evenly.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the grilled bacon jalapeno wraps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
• Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the jalapeno wraps with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they are evenly heated.
• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the wraps in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and the bacon is crispy.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F. Arrange the jalapeno wraps in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For a smoky flavor, reheat on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the wraps on the grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and the bacon is crispy.

• Grill: Used to cook the bacon-wrapped jalapenos to a crispy perfection.

• Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the filled jalapenos.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the jalapenos on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for halving and seeding the jalapenos.

• Knife: Necessary for halving and seeding the jalapenos.

• Spoon: Useful for filling the jalapeno halves with cream cheese.

• Bowl: Holds the softened cream cheese for easy access while filling the jalapenos.

• Plate: For arranging the prepared jalapeno wraps before grilling.

• Paper towels: Helps in patting the bacon dry if needed and for general cleanup.

Prepare the filling: Soften the cream cheese ahead of time to make it easier to spread into the jalapenos.

Pre-cook the bacon: Partially cook the bacon in the microwave for a few minutes to reduce grilling time and ensure it crisps up faster.

Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with cream cheese for quick and mess-free filling of the jalapenos.

Batch assembly: Line up all the jalapenos and fill them in one go, then wrap them with bacon in another batch to streamline the process.