Experience the ultimate upgrade to your appetizer game with these irresistible **Bacon Wrapped Pimento Stuffed Jalapenos**. Forget everything you thought you knew about classic jalapeno poppers; these are a culinary revelation. Each vibrant jalapeno is generously filled with creamy, tangy pimento cheese, meticulously wrapped in crispy bacon, and then grilled to a smoky, charred perfection. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests, as these gourmet poppers are guaranteed to make you rethink those deep-fried versions for good.
Elevate Your Appetizer Game: The Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Pimento Stuffed Jalapenos
There’s a special kind of joy that comes with a perfectly crafted appetizer – especially one that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures. While the classic jalapeno popper has long held a cherished spot at gatherings, it’s time to introduce you to an elevated version that promises to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine succulent jalapenos, not just filled, but bursting with the rich, cheesy goodness of homemade pimento cheese, all embraced by savory, smoky bacon, and kissed by the flame of your grill. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience.
Weekends are often synonymous with relaxation, good company, and, most importantly, great food. Whether you’re planning a quiet evening at home with family or hosting a lively backyard barbecue, having a standout dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious is key. This recipe for Bacon Wrapped Pimento Stuffed Jalapenos fits the bill perfectly. It’s designed to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen, allowing you more time to savor those precious moments with loved ones. Forget complicated menus; sometimes, the best moments are created around simple, incredible bites like these.
Why Pimento Cheese Makes All the Difference in Your Jalapeno Poppers
For many, the standard jalapeno popper filling often involves cream cheese. While pleasant, it can sometimes lack the depth of flavor needed to truly complement the spicy kick of a jalapeno. My journey to perfecting the popper led me to an epiphany: pimento cheese. This Southern classic, with its blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty pimentos, offers a far more dynamic and flavorful experience. It’s a cheese lover’s dream, providing a salty, tangy, and deeply savory profile that beautifully balances the pepper’s heat.
The idea for this unique twist sparked during a casual stroll through my local grocery store’s meat aisle. I noticed pre-made stuffed jalapenos, often filled with cream cheese, and while they were appealing, I knew I could do better. My mind immediately jumped to the pimento goat cheese spread I had whipped up earlier that morning. The revelation was immediate: pimento cheese was the missing ingredient for a truly exceptional jalapeno popper. It’s the kind of flavorful insight that transforms a good idea into a truly unforgettable dish. This simple substitution elevates the entire dish, creating a more sophisticated and satisfying appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Crafting Your Signature Pimento Cheese
While store-bought pimento cheese can certainly work in a pinch, making your own takes these poppers to an entirely new level. You have control over the sharpness of the cheddar, the creaminess of the base, and the zest from the pimentos. A good homemade pimento cheese is characterized by a rich, complex flavor that store-bought versions often struggle to replicate. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create your own, there are numerous recipes available, including my personal favorite, which you can find here. The effort is minimal, but the reward in flavor is immense, ensuring your bacon wrapped jalapenos are truly artisanal.
Mastering the Art of Jalapeno Preparation for Poppers
The foundation of an excellent jalapeno popper lies in properly preparing the pepper itself. This step is crucial for both safety and taste. First and foremost, always prioritize safety when handling hot peppers. The capsaicin, which gives jalapenos their heat, can cause irritation, especially if it comes into contact with your eyes or sensitive skin. Therefore, wearing protective gloves is highly recommended. It’s a small precaution that saves you from a world of discomfort, ensuring your cooking experience is enjoyable from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Jalapeno Prep:
- Stabilize Your Pepper: For larger jalapenos, you might find it helpful to slice a small piece off the backside to create a flat base. This allows the pepper to sit stably on its side, preventing it from rolling around during preparation and cooking.
- The “V” Cut: Instead of slicing the pepper in half lengthwise, which can make it harder to contain the generous pimento cheese filling, create a “V” shape cut along one side. This method opens up a perfect pocket for stuffing while keeping the pepper largely intact, ensuring a neat and well-contained appetizer.
- De-Seeding and De-Ribbing: Carefully scrape out the seeds and the white membranes (ribs) inside the pepper. These are where most of the capsaicin resides. How thoroughly you clean out the pepper will directly impact its heat level. For a milder popper, remove all seeds and ribs. If you prefer a more intense kick, you can leave a few seeds or a bit of the membrane.
- Generous Stuffing: Once cleaned, it’s time to fill your jalapenos with that glorious pimento cheese. Don’t be shy here! Depending on the size of your peppers, you’ll likely use about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons per jalapeno. Ensure they are packed to the brim, creating a satisfying burst of flavor with every bite.
The Art of the Bacon Wrap: Securing Flavor and Texture
Once your jalapenos are expertly stuffed with pimento cheese, the next crucial step is wrapping them in bacon. This isn’t just for flavor; the bacon acts as a protective shield, keeping the cheese from oozing out during cooking, and its fat renders, creating an incredibly moist and crispy exterior. The choice of bacon is important; I often opt for center-cut bacon as it’s typically thinner and crisps up beautifully without being excessively greasy. However, regular-cut bacon works perfectly too.
To achieve an even and appealing wrap, start at the top of the jalapeno. Take a piece of bacon and begin wrapping it snugly around the pepper, spiraling downwards. Make sure each new layer slightly overlaps the previous one to prevent any gaps. The goal is to completely cover the jalapeno, from top to bottom, ensuring every inch is enshrouded in savory bacon goodness. Depending on the size of your jalapenos and the length of your bacon strips, you might need two pieces of bacon per pepper. Don’t hesitate to use more if needed; after all, can you really have too much bacon? The extra crispiness is always welcome!
Grilling to Perfection: Achieving That Irresistible Char
Grilling these bacon wrapped pimento stuffed jalapenos adds an unparalleled layer of smoky flavor and a beautiful char that can’t be replicated by other cooking methods. The key to success here is indirect heat, which allows the bacon to crisp slowly and the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the peppers prematurely. Set up your grill by placing coals or heat elements on one side, leaving the other side free. This creates a cooler zone where your poppers will cook gently.
Place your bacon-wrapped jalapenos on the indirect heat side of the grill. Cook them for approximately 2.5 minutes per side, rotating them to char all four sides evenly. This gradual cooking process ensures the bacon gets deliciously crispy, the pimento cheese turns wonderfully gooey, and the jalapeno softens to perfection. Keep a close eye on them, as grill temperatures can vary. If you prefer a less charred finish, adjust the cooking time accordingly. The goal is a golden-brown, crispy bacon exterior with visible char marks that speak of authentic grill flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Once your bacon-wrapped pimento stuffed jalapenos emerge from the grill, they are a sight to behold – truly a work of culinary art. Their vibrant colors, smoky aroma, and crispy texture make them an instant hit. They embody everything you could wish for in a savory appetizer: salty, cheddar-cheesy, creamy, spicy, and perfectly charred. These versatile poppers are much more than just a snack; they can effortlessly transition from a sophisticated appetizer to a hearty side dish, or even a main course for a light meal.
Consider serving them at your next backyard BBQ, pairing them with grilled meats like steak or chicken. They are an absolute showstopper for game day parties, offering a homemade alternative to standard finger foods. For a casual gathering, serve them on a platter with a cooling ranch or sour cream dip to complement their spicy kick. Their rich flavor profile also makes them an excellent accompaniment to a crisp salad or a light soup. No matter the occasion, these bacon wrapped pimento stuffed jalapenos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who tries them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Wrapped Pimento Stuffed Jalapenos
Can I bake these instead of grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or prefer oven-baked options, you can bake these at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender. For extra crispiness, you can finish them under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
How spicy are these really?
The spiciness largely depends on how much of the seeds and ribs you remove. For a milder popper, thoroughly clean out all seeds and white membrane. For more heat, leave a few seeds. The creamy pimento cheese and savory bacon also help to temper the jalapeno’s spice, making them enjoyable for a wider range of palates.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, these are great for meal prep! You can stuff and wrap the jalapenos up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill or bake. This makes entertaining much easier, as you can do most of the work beforehand.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Thin-cut or center-cut bacon works best as it crisps up nicely without requiring excessive cooking time. Thick-cut bacon can be used, but you might need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure it renders properly and becomes crispy.
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Bacon Wrapped Pimento Stuffed Jalapenos
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 6 -8peppers
Bacon Wrapped Pimento Stuffed Jalapenos are a kicked up version of your standard jalapeno popper. These are stuffed with delicious pimento cheese, wrapped in bacon and then grilled until nicely charred. Our jalapenos will having you kick your deep fried ones to the curb.
Ingredients
- Store bought or hommade Pimento Cheese
- (recipe found here, http://www.strawberryblondiekitchen.com/pimento-goat-cheese-spread/)
- 6-8 jalapenos, depending on their size
- 12-16 pieces of bacon, I used center cut
Instructions
- Start by cutting a “V” the length of each jalapeno pepper
- Stuff each jalapeno with pimento cheese until they are full.
- Starting at the top of each jalapeno, take a piece of bacon, and wrap as far down as you can go. Make sure to overlap so you don’t have gaps anywhere on the pepper. I used 2 pieces of bacon per pepper.
- Prepare your grill and set coals off to one side. This is indirect grilling. You’ll want to put your peppers on the side without the coals.
- Grill peppers 2.5 minutes per 4 sides or until charred to your liking.
Notes
*When handling jalapenos, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.
Courses Appetizer
Cuisine Side Dish
I truly encourage you to try these incredible bacon wrapped pimento stuffed jalapenos this weekend. They are more than just a recipe; they are a delightful culinary adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen or on your grill. You can thank me later for introducing you to your new favorite appetizer! Enjoy every crispy, cheesy, spicy bite.
If you do make this recipe, please share your beautiful creations on social media! Tag them with #strawberryblondiekitchen so I can see your delicious versions and celebrate your success. I absolutely love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own homes.
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