Grilled Veggie Jalapeno Poppers

Name: Grilled Veggie Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapenos; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1/2 cup corn, cooked; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for grilling

Highlighted under: Easy Global Meals

I absolutely love making grilled veggie jalapeno poppers during the summer months when fresh produce is abundant. The smoky flavor from the grill combined with the creaminess of the cheese and the heat of the jalapenos creates an irresistible treat. Every time I serve these at gatherings, they're the first to disappear! They offer a fantastic balance of spice and flavor, and I find that grilling them makes all the difference, enhancing the taste while making them a bit healthier than the traditional fried version.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-15T11:29:30.472Z

Last summer, I tried making jalapeno poppers on the grill rather than deep-frying them, and it was a game-changer! Using a filling of cream cheese mixed with roasted veggies not only added a delicious creaminess but also made them healthier. The grilled flavor enhances the poppers, giving them a rich smoky taste that is truly addictive. I loved experimenting with different vegetable combinations, but bell peppers and corn were my favorites!

To ensure the jalapenos are just the right amount of spicy, I learned to select the ones that are shiny and firm, as they tend to have a better flavor. Also, when preparing them, I recommend removing seeds and membranes according to your spice preference. The immense satisfaction of biting into a perfectly grilled popper is something I can never get enough of!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Smoky flavor that enhances the veggie and cheese filling
Healthier alternative to traditional fried poppers
Customizable with your favorite veggies

      

Understanding Heat Levels

When preparing jalapeno poppers, the heat level largely depends on how you handle the jalapenos. If you prefer milder poppers, be diligent about removing all the seeds and the whitish membranes inside. While some heat is essential for flavor, these parts harbor most of the spice. Alternatively, if you love spice, you can leave a few seeds or membranes intact for a fiery kick.

It’s also good to note that different jalapeno varieties can vary significantly in heat. If you're uncertain about the spice level, taste a tiny piece of the pepper before making your filling. This way, you can adjust other ingredients accordingly, perhaps by adding more cream cheese or sour cream to balance the heat.

Perfecting the Grill Technique

Grilling these jalapeno poppers requires attention to heat control to avoid burning. Aim for medium heat, roughly 350°F to 400°F, which will cook the jalapenos thoroughly while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without charring the outside too quickly. Keep an eye on them; they usually need about 10-15 minutes on the grill, but this can vary based on your grill's specific characteristics.

To add an extra layer of flavor, try using wood chips for smoking. Soak mesquite or hickory wood chips in water for about 30 minutes beforehand, then add them to your grill as you cook the poppers. This infusion will create a lovely smokiness complementing the cream cheese and veggies.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you’re planning a gathering, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to assemble the poppers no more than a few hours before grilling to ensure the best texture and flavor. Once grilled, leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container for up to two days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Serving these grilled veggie jalapeno poppers with a cool dip, like ranch or a yogurt-based sauce, can help counterbalance the heat. You can also enhance the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving, which not only adds color but also a fresh flavor to every bite.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to make the process smooth!

Ingredients for Grilled Veggie Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup corn, cooked
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for grilling

Make sure all ingredients are well mixed before stuffing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect poppers!

Prepare the Jalapenos

Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. Set them aside.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with diced bell peppers, cooked corn, green onions, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Jalapenos

Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cream cheese mixture.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the tops of the stuffed jalapenos with olive oil.

Grill the Poppers

Place the stuffed jalapenos on the grill, cut side up. Grill for about 10-15 minutes until the jalapenos are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding cooked bacon bits to the filling for a smoky flavor boost.

Customizing Your Fillings

The beauty of these jalapeno poppers lies in their versatility. While the recipe includes bell peppers and corn, feel free to experiment with other vegetables you love. Chopped tomatoes, spinach, or even mushrooms can be added to the filling for different textures and flavors. Just ensure to keep the total filling volume balanced so the jalapenos don’t overflow.

For those looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, consider using a combination of nut-based creams or vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of traditional cheese. This adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without the dairy while keeping the poppers creamy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your poppers turn out too soggy, it's usually due to excess moisture from the vegetables. Make sure any cooked ingredients, like corn, are well-drained and patted dry before mixing them into the cream cheese. This simple trick ensures that the filling is creamy yet firm, holding its form while grilling.

On the flip side, if you find that the jalapenos are too crunchy after grilling, try making smaller cuts to the jalapenos or adjusting your grill time. Cooking them slightly longer will soften them sufficiently without burning the filling. Aim for a tender bite—enjoyable, yet still with some crunch.

Scaling Up for a Crowd

If you're planning a larger gathering, it's quite easy to double or triple this recipe. Just make sure you have ample grill space, as overcrowding can cause uneven cooking. If grill space is limited, consider using a grill basket to hold more poppers together while still ensuring they get that desired char.

For efficiency, prepare the filling in bulk and keep your jalapenos ready for stuffing. Family or friends can help assemble them, making it a fun communal activity. Plus, they'll cook all at once without the risk of one batch getting overcooked while you're grilling the others.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of peppers?

Yes, you can substitute jalapenos with other mild peppers like poblanos or banana peppers for a different flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the grill or oven before serving.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese.

→ Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapenos and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. Just grill them when you're ready!