Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

Published: June 17, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious poppers in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese and crispy turkey bacon creates a mouthwatering experience.
Versatile Appetizer: These poppers are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings.
Healthier Option: Using Turkey Bacon provides a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves finger foods, and these poppers will be gone before you know it!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Toothpicks
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and crispy texture on the Turkey Bacon.
Toothpicks: Help keep the turkey bacon wrapped securely around the peppers during grilling.

Ingredients

For the Poppers

8 Anaheim peppers
8 oz cream cheese
8 strips thin-cut Turkey Bacon

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Cut a slit lengthwise but not all the way through on one side of each Anaheim pepper.
* Carefully remove the seeds using a spoon.
* Gently wash under cold running water to eliminate any stray seeds.

Step 2: Fill with Cream Cheese

Fill each cavity of the prepared peppers with cream cheese until they are nicely packed.

Step 3: Wrap with Turkey Bacon

Starting from the stem end, wrap each chili pepper with one strip of Turkey Bacon.
* Ensure it goes around the length of the chili pepper and reaches the other end.
* Secure each wrapped pepper with toothpicks. Repeat this step for all remaining peppers.

Step 4: Grill the Peppers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the wrapped chili peppers on the grill.
* Turn occasionally until the Turkey Bacon turns golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from heat and carefully discard any toothpicks. Serve immediately while hot for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers are a delightful treat and can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your poppers even more enjoyable.

As an Appetizer

Start the meal with these poppers as a finger food. Their creamy and smoky taste will surely whet the appetite of your guests.

With Dipping Sauces

Pair the poppers with sauces like ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo for added flavor. These dips complement the richness of the cream cheese and the smokiness of the turkey bacon.

On a Charcuterie Board

Include the poppers on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. This arrangement makes for an impressive presentation and offers a variety of tastes.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Top the grilled turkey bacon-wrapped poppers with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. This adds a vibrant touch and enhances freshness in each bite.

How to Perfect Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

To achieve perfectly grilled turkey bacon-wrapped poppers, follow these helpful tips that ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh Anaheim peppers and high-quality turkey bacon for the best taste.
Maintain Even Heat: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps cook the bacon evenly while giving it that crispy texture.
Secure Properly: Use toothpicks to secure the turkey bacon around each pepper tightly. This prevents it from unraveling during grilling.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the grilling process. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the turkey bacon to become golden brown and crispy.
Experiment with Fillings: While cream cheese is classic, you can also mix in spices or other cheese varieties for additional flavor depth.
Serve Immediately: For optimal taste, serve your grilled turkey bacon-wrapped poppers hot off the grill!

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

Serving side dishes alongside your grilled turkey bacon-wrapped poppers enhances your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that pair well with this tasty appetizer.

Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the poppers.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the smokiness of turkey bacon.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory profile of the poppers perfectly; grill it alongside for ease!
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a satisfying side that everyone loves.
Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole works wonderfully with spicy flavors, providing an extra layer of taste.
Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables can add color and nutrition to your plate, balancing out heavier dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers, a few common mistakes can hinder your cooking experience. Here’s what to watch out for:

Skipping the seed removal: Not removing the seeds will result in overly spicy poppers. Always take time to clean out the peppers for a balanced flavor.
Using thick-cut Turkey Bacon: Thick-cut turkey bacon makes it difficult for the poppers to cook evenly. Opt for thin-cut Turkey Bacon for best results.
Overstuffing with cream cheese: Stuffing too much cream cheese can cause the filling to ooze out during grilling. Use just enough to fill the cavity without overloading.
Grilling at too high heat: High heat can burn the turkey bacon before the peppers are cooked through. Medium-high heat allows for even cooking and crispiness.
Not securing with toothpicks: Failing to secure the turkey bacon with toothpicks may lead to unraveling while grilling. Make sure each popper is securely wrapped.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Timing: Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Containers: Use airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

Timing: You can freeze these poppers for up to 2 months.
Containers: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the poppers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently, as this method may make them soggy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers spicy?

You can make your Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers spicier by using hotter pepper varieties like jalapeños or adding spices like cayenne pepper into the cream cheese filling.

Can I use regular turkey bacon instead of Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can use regular turkey bacon if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will add more fat and calories compared to using Turkey Bacon.

What dips go well with Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers?

Creamy dips like ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo complement these poppers nicely, enhancing their smoky flavors.

Can I prepare Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Turkey Bacon-wrapped Poppers are an irresistible blend of creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors that make them perfect for any gathering. They are easy to customize with different fillings or spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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