BBQ grilled stuffed jalapeno peppers are a healthy summer appetizer
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Keyword: jalapeno, peppers
Servings: 24servings
Calories: 64kcal
Author: Trish | The infinebalance Food Blog
Ingredients
for the jalapenos
1brick cream cheesesoftened
¼cupcilantrochopped
1tablespoonCajun spice mix
⅓cupshredded cheese
2tablespoonred onionfinely diced
10-12large jalapeno pepperssliced lenghtwise in half, seeds removed
1cupgluten-free breadcrumbscornflake crumbs are my favorite but you may need to make your own if need a gluten-free option.
olive oil spray
for the cilantro mayo
½cupmayo
2tablespoonfresh lime juicejuice of one lime
2tablespooncilantro
1tablespoonsugaror to taste
Instructions
for the jalapenos:
Prepare the jalapenos by slicing each jalapeno length-wise (Stem end to tip). I like to leave the stem on some of them because it looks nice. Scrap out seeds and membranes with a spoon and discard.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Prepare the filling: mix cream cheese, cilantro, Cajun seasonings, red onion, and shredded cheese together until well combined and evenly mixed.
Spread bread crumbs in a shallow dish or pie plate.
Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese mixture and press, cheese side down, into the bread crumbs to cover the cheese filling and form a crust.
Place jalapeno's on a tray, cheese and breadcrumbs side up, and lightly spray with olive oil.
Place jalapenos on the grill, cheese side up. Close lid, and cook 8-10 minutes.
for the cilantro lime mayo
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, allow to sit so the sugar dissolves, 5-10 minutes before serving. Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
Notes
Breadcrumbs. To keep these poppers gluten-free make sure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free. I really like cornflake crumbs but most are not gluten-free because they contain barley malt for sweetness. Nature path makes a gluten-free cornflake -- so if you want to try cornflake crumbs and need a gluten-free option, make your own crumbs using a gluten-free cornflake. For a fancier option (because I think anything with goat cheese is fancy 😉 ) skip the shredded cheese and add about 4 oz of goat cheese to the cheese filling.Add wasabi powder to the cilantro mayo. Add about a tablespoon to the cilantro mayo for a yummy and contrasting type of heat. You might need a bit more sugar to balance it out. Adjust to taste.To make ahead - prepare the filling and the peppers. Stuff the peppers with the cheese filling and store in an air-tight container for a day or two. Just before grilling press each cheese-stuffed pepper in breadcrumbs. The cilantro mayo can also be made one day ahead of time. Just give it a good stir before serving. Nutritional info is based on 1 jalapeno popper -- or one jalapeno half stuffed with cheese and breaded.