Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers

If you have made our Grilled Jalapeño Poppers or Smoker Jalapeno Poppers then you are going to love it added with large shrimp. The combination of the flavors makes it delicious and one of my favorite appetizers to make.

This grilled seafood recipe is so easy to prepare and takes less than 20 minutes to grill.

Why This Recipe Works

We love making Grilled Jalapeno Popper Recipes so I knew making an appetizer with shrimp would be delicious. I love that this recipe is so easy to make and everyone love the twist on a classic recipe.

Whether you are looking for a tailgate game day snack, holiday appetizer, or a quick and easy lunch on the weekends, this Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers is what we recommend.

Ingredients

• Jalapeños – We used large jalapenos and make sure they are about the same size
• Medium Shrimp – We used fresh shrimp. Make sure to peel and devein shrimp
• Bacon – Cut bacon in half
• Cream Cheese – For a creamy texture make sure cream cheese has softened
• Cheddar Cheese – I like to shred cheese from hunk cheese for the best flavors
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Clove Garlic or use garlic powder

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cream Cheese – For even more flavor, you can use flavored cream cheese such as garlic herb, jalapeno, or bacon flavored cream cheese.
• Cheese Variations – You can even change the change to what you prefer. We have added in Monterey Jack Cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese for a delicious variation.
• Chopped Bacon – Instead of wrapping the stuffed jalapenos, cook and chop the bacon and sprinkle on the top of the jalapenos.
• Shrimp – In this recipe, we placed the whole shrimp on the stuffed jalapenos. But you can cook the shrimp then chop and top on the jalapenos for an easy substitute.
• Extra Crunch – Top the mixture with breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
• Seasoning – Feel free to use a variety of seasoning to change the flavor. Red pepper flakes, cilantro, or lime juice for even more flavor.

How to Make Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers

Step 1 – Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise with a sharp knife and remove the seeds and membranes to make room for the filling.

Step 2 – In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth.

Step 3 – Spoon the room temperature cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling it generously. Place a shrimp on top of each filled jalapeño half. You may need to gently fold shrimp to make sure it is covering the cheese mixture.

Step 4 – Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.

• Step 5 – Place the poppers on the grill over indirect heat for indirect cooking. Close the lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp, golden brown and the jalapeños are tender. Place them on a wire rack, then the poppers are ready to serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Stuffing Peppers – Don’t overstuff peppers or cheese could melt out.
• Strips of Bacon – Partially cook the bacon slightly for crispier results.
• Cutting Jalapenos – We recommend to use gloves when slicing jalapenos because of the seeds.
• Cooking Time – Grilling the shrimp jalapeno poppers usually takes about 10 minutes. If you prefer your bacon to be extra crispy, you may want to leave the jalapeno poppers on the grill longer.

How to Bake Shrimp Jalapeno Poppers

These shrimp jalapeno poppers can easily be cooked in the oven for another easy cooking method.

Place the prepared Shrimp Jalapeno Poppers on a prepared baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes.

We also recommend switching your oven to broil to make the bacon even crispier.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed jalapeño peppers make the best game day or holiday gathering snack. We love to serve with Blackstone Cheeseburger Quesadillas, tortilla chips and Grilled Queso Recipe and these BBQ Appetizers.

You can even add a side of dipping sauce such Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing to dip the stuffed jalapeno peppers for even more flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing – These jalapeno poppers freeze great in a freezer safe container. We recommend layering them with parchment paper to prevent them from freezing together. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating – If you have an air fryer, we recommend to air fry the jalapeno poppers to achieve that crispy texture again. You can also reheat in the oven in a baking dish at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. If you are short on time, reheat in the microwave.