Bacon Jalapeno Poppers with a Strawberry Twist

Get ready for a culinary roller coaster ride as we introduce our Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with a Strawberry Twist. This recipe marries the fiery punch of jalapenos, the comforting richness of bacon, and an unexpected hint of strawberry sweetness. It's a delightful flavor combination that will have your taste buds dancing with every bite. So, buckle up and join us on this exciting gastronomic journey

Ingredients

• 8 large Jalapenos
• 12 ounces of plan cream cheese (box and 1/2)
• 16 bacon slices
• 1 quart fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

1. Start by mashing the strawberries in a bowl until they're liquid-like. Add sugar and continue to mash until large chunks disappear.
2. Using a mixer, combine the strawberry mixture with cream cheese. Blend until it's smooth.
3. Next, prepare the jalapenos. Core them out and cut off the tops (you'll use these later).
4. Fill each jalapeno with your strawberry cream cheese mixture, then blend using a piping bag. Replace the tops and secure with a toothpick.
5. Wrap two slices of bacon around each stuffed jalapeno, again securing them with toothpicks.
6. Preheat your grill to a temperature between 300- 400 degrees. Place the poppers on the grill, keeping them indirect and away from the hot coals.
7. Cover the grill and let the poppers cook for about 45 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

What to Serve With Bacon wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Strawberries
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers with Strawberries are a unique and flavorful appetizer that can be paired with various dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of the corn complements the spiciness of the jalapenos and the tanginess of the strawberries.
• Carne Asada: This grilled meat dish, marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices, pairs excellently with the flavors of the poppers.
• Shrimp Cocktail: The light, fresh taste of shrimp balances out the rich, spicy flavors of the poppers.
• Crusty Bread: A nice piece of crusty bread can help to balance the heat from the jalapenos and absorb some of the flavors.
• Rice: A simple side of rice can offer a neutral base to offset the strong flavors of the poppers.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of the poppers.
• Ice Cream: For dessert, a creamy vanilla ice cream would be a nice contrast to the spicy, savory poppers.

Tips for making Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Poppers with Strawberries
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect Bacon Jalapeno Poppers with Strawberries:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapenos, strawberries and quality bacon will make a big difference in taste.
• Wear Gloves: When handling jalapenos, it's a good idea to wear gloves to avoid burning your skin or eyes.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapenos. For more heat, leave some in.
• Secure the Bacon: Make sure to secure the bacon tightly around the jalapeno with a toothpick to ensure it doesn't unravel while cooking.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Keep a close eye on the grill temperature to prevent the poppers from burning. They should be cooked indirectly, away from the hottest part of the grill.
• Test for Doneness: The poppers are done when the bacon is crispy and the peppers have softened.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the poppers to cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preference. You might want to add some herbs to the cream cheese or use a strip of flavored bacon.

Alternative Ways to Cook Bacon Jalapeno Poppers with Strawberries
Aside from grilling, there are several other ways you can cook Bacon Jalapeno Poppers with Strawberries:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
• Broiling: If you prefer a quicker method, you can broil the poppers. Set your oven to broil and place the poppers on a broiler pan. Broil them for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp.
• Air Frying: If you have an air fryer, you can use it to get a crispy texture without using too much oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the poppers for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the jalapenos are tender.
• Pan Frying: You can also cook the poppers in a skillet over medium heat. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don't burn. This method will take about 15-20 minutes.

Can I use a different type of chili other than jalapeno?
Absolutely! While jalapenos are commonly used for poppers due to their size and moderate heat, you can certainly substitute them with other types of chilies depending on your preference. Here are a few options:

• Anaheim Peppers: These are larger and milder than jalapenos, making them a great option if you prefer less heat.
• Serrano Peppers: If you're looking for more heat, serranos are a good choice. They're similar in size to jalapenos but pack a stronger punch.
• Mini Sweet Peppers: For a completely mild, kid-friendly version, mini sweet peppers are an excellent choice. They're similar in size to jalapenos but have no heat.
• Poblano Peppers: These are larger, so they'll make for a heftier appetizer. They're also milder than jalapenos.
• Banana Peppers: Known for their mild, tangy flavor, these would make a unique and delicious variation.
• Habanero Peppers: If you really love heat, habaneros are one of the hottest peppers you can use. Be cautious, as they're significantly hotter than jalapenos.

Remember, when working with hot peppers, it's a good idea to wear gloves and avoid touching your eyes. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!
Outdoor Kitchen Outlet
Are you ready to take your bacon jalapeno poppers to the next level? Outdoor Kitchen Outlet has the best grills for cooking up poppers that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Our grills use infrared heating technology specifically designed for even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots and giving you perfect results every time. Plus, our grills are easy to clean up and made with durable materials that will last for years. Visit our website or give us a call today at (888) 667-4986 to take advantage of our discounts and get your outdoor kitchen experience started!