Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno BBQ Recipe: Spicy Sweet Sensation

I’m obsessed with the combination of spicy and sweet in these bacon-wrapped jalapenos. 🔥 The smoky BBQ sauce perfectly complements the crispy bacon and tender peppers, creating a flavor explosion that’ll leave your guests begging for more.

By wrapping jalapenos in thick-cut bacon and baking until crispy, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of textures. The BBQ sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet element that elevates this simple appetizer into something special. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Bbq

Crispy bacon, spicy jalapenos, and smoky BBQ sauce come together in perfect harmony.

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For the best results, use thick-cut bacon—it holds up to baking without getting too crispy too quickly. I like Thick Cut Applewood Smoked from Costco. Jalapenos should be firm and vibrant green; avoid soft or wrinkled peppers. You can find them at most grocery stores, usually near other fresh produce.

No BBQ sauce? Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar for a quick substitute. For an extra kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce. You can also experiment with different types of bacon, like maple-glazed or peppered bacon, for unique flavor profiles.

These keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy again. You can also freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Simply bake frozen at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno BBQ

Let’s create these spicy-sweet sensations that’ll elevate your next BBQ gathering.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Jalapenos

Start by preheating your grill to 375°F. While it’s heating up, prepare the 12 whole Jalapeno Peppers. I like to wear gloves for this step to avoid transferring the capsaicin oil to my face later. Cut off the stems and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes from each pepper. Don’t worry if you can’t get every last seed – a little heat is part of the charm.

Next, brush the outside of the peppers with the 1 tablespoon Olive Oil. This helps the bacon stick and promotes even browning. At this point, your peppers are ready to be wrapped.

🥘 Step 2: Wrap with Thick-Cut Bacon

Take the 12 slices Thick-Cut Bacon and wrap each jalapeno pepper tightly, securing with a toothpick if needed. I prefer to wrap them snugly so the bacon adheres well to the pepper. Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly enough that it won’t unravel during cooking, but not so tight that it tears the pepper.

As you wrap, you’ll notice the bacon slices might be slightly longer than the peppers. That’s perfectly fine – we’ll trim any excess after cooking if needed.

🔥 Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on the preheated grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is golden brown and the peppers are tender.

Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes – the bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly. If you’re using a grill with hot spots, rotate the peppers occasionally to ensure even cooking.

🍳 Step 4: Glaze with BBQ Sauce

While the peppers are grilling, mix the 1 cup BBQ Sauce, 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder, 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 0.25 teaspoon Salt, and 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy glaze will add depth to our bacon-wrapped jalapenos.

During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped jalapenos. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your grill. The sauce will caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.

👨‍🍳 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the jalapenos are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. The bacon will be crispy, and the peppers should be tender but still slightly firm. Serve these bacon-wrapped jalapenos hot, garnished with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

These spicy-sweet treats are perfect as an appetizer or side dish for your next BBQ. The combination of crispy bacon, tender jalapeno, and tangy BBQ sauce creates a flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests.

Creative Variations of This Dish

Spicy Tex-Mex Variation

Add some excitement to your bacon-wrapped jalapenos by incorporating Tex-Mex flavors. Mix 1 tablespoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin into the BBQ sauce for a bold twist. You can also stuff the jalapenos with cream cheese or pepper jack cheese before wrapping them in bacon. This adds a rich, creamy element that complements the spicy kick. 🔥

Sweet and Smoky Version

For a sweeter take, try using maple-glazed bacon instead of regular bacon. The maple syrup caramelizes during grilling, creating a sweet and sticky coating. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the BBQ sauce for extra sweetness. This version is perfect for those who prefer a milder heat level. 🍯

Meat Lover’s Delight

Take your bacon-wrapped jalapenos to the next level by adding some cooked sausage or chorizo to the filling. Simply crumble the cooked sausage and mix it with cream cheese before stuffing it into the jalapenos. This adds a hearty, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon. 🥓

Global Inspirations

Experiment with different global flavors by changing up the BBQ sauce. Try using Korean chili flake (gochugaru) for a spicy kick, or Jamaican jerk seasoning for a Caribbean twist. You can also use Indian-inspired spices like garam masala or cumin to give your bacon-wrapped jalapenos a unique flavor profile. 🌏

Make it a Meal

Turn your bacon-wrapped jalapenos into a main course by serving them with a side of grilled chicken or ribs. You can also pair them with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal. This makes for a great appetizer or main course for your next BBQ gathering.