Looking for a good appetizer to serve at a backyard get-together? Since you will probably be grilling anyway, these Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos will be very convenient to serve, especially since they can be put together early and thrown on the grill before the mains. The idea for these spicy appetizers came from a favorite restaurant, Paco’s Tacos , located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they specialize in smoked brisket tacos, but have incredible appetizers, including guacamole made tableside and of course these jalapeños. This version uses extra large jalapeño peppers, so that one is a perfect serving. The dipping sauce is easily made from three ingredients and can be made a week or so ahead.

Although Oaxaca cheese (/wəˈhɑːkə/ wə-HAH-kə ) is the perfect filling for these jalapeños, you may substitute cheddar, cheddar jack, pepper jack (for extra heat), or even mozzarella. The bacon can be thick or thin – thick bacon takes much longer to grill and doesn’t come out quite as crisp, which some people like better. These spicy appetizers will become a summer favorite.

8 Servings

8 large fresh jalapeño peppers
4 ounces oaxaca (Mexican melting) Cheese, (or similar such as Monterey Jack) cut into 8 sticks
8 slices bacon

Toothpicks

Chipotle Dipping Sauce:
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 to 4 Chipotle peppers in Adobo Sauce, depending how spicy you want the sauce

1. Heat a grill to high heat.
2. Cut the peppers almost in half lengthwise, leaving them attached at the stem end.
3. With a sharp knife, remove the seeds and pith.
4. Place a cheese stick inside each, close them up, and wrap tightly with a piece of bacon; secure with toothpicks.
5. Grill 10-25 minutes, (depending on how thick the bacon is and your individual gas grill), or until the bacon is crisp.
6. Remove from the heat, place on a serving platter, and serve with Chipotle Dipping Sauce.
7. Chipotle Dipping Sauce: Measure the mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle peppers into a bullet blender; blend until the pepper is finely chopped. Taste and add additional lime juice if necessary.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 193 Calories from Fat 120
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 62% Protein 14% Carb. 24%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 24 mg
Sodium 479 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 7 g

Vitamin A 97% Vitamin C 188% Calcium 0% Iron 4%