Traeger Jalapeño Poppers: A Delicious Grilled Appetizer

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Jalapeño Poppers. This recipe combines the smokiness of cherry wood, the creaminess of cheese, and the kick of jalapeños to create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 slices center-cut bacon, divided
• 2 cups cream cheese
• 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup minced green onions
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 4 tablespoons seeded, chopped tomato
• 4 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 small cloves garlic, minced
• 12 whole jalapeños

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 350°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Bacon: Place two slices of bacon directly on the grill grate and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through. Once cooked, chop the bacon coarsely.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the chopped bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, lime juice, salt, garlic, cilantro, and tomatoes. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.
4. Prep the Jalapeños: Cut the tops off the jalapeños and remove the seeds and ribs with a small paring knife.
5. Fill the Peppers: Pipe the filling into each pepper until it slightly overflows. Place the tops back on the peppers.
6. Wrap with Bacon: Flatten the remaining six bacon slices with a rolling pin to 1/8 inch thick. Cut each slice in half and wrap a half slice around each pepper, securing with a toothpick.
7. Grill to Perfection: Place the peppers in a Jalapeño Popper Tray and cook on the grill for 30 to 40 minutes, until the peppers are tender, the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

These smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy Jalapeño Poppers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.