Mexican Street Corn Jalapeno Poppers

A fun twist on classic jalapeno poppers, this version is mixed with a blend of char grilled corn with the spicy kick of jalapeños, and crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy filling, topped with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a dash of chili powder. These poppers are a bite-sized fusion of bold flavors and textures, perfect for spicing up any gathering.

Why This Recipe Works

Everyone’s Favorite: My Mexican street corn jalapeno poppers recipe takes classic jalapeno poppers to a new level! There is a reason why so many people love jalapeno poppers. They combine smoky, spicy jalapeños with a creamy cheese mixture all wrapped up in crispy bacon. What’s not to like? Well my version adds crunchy charred corn and crispy bacon to the cream cheese filling instead of wrapping them up in bacon. This ensures that you get crunchy bits of bacon in every bite!

Appetizer Perfection: You can serve these in any get together when you need to feed a crowd! They are perfect for summertime barbecues or game day parties! You can pair them with a spread of other delicious appetizers or you can serve them as a side dish with all of your grilled favorites.

Supplies Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Wire Rack
• Oven or Smoker

Mexican Street Corn Jalapeno Popper Ingredients

• Jalapeños: Use whole, fresh jalapenos here!
• Bacon: Instead of wrapping bacon around the jalapeño halves, here we will add crispy bacon bits into the cheesy filling!
• Cream Cheese: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so it is easier to mix with the rest of the ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Full fat sour cream will make the mixture a little bit creamier and more decadent!
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: Use your favorite blend of shredded Mexican cheese.
• Grilled Corn: You can grill the corn, or char it in a pan on the stove. Alternatively, you can thaw some fire roasted frozen corn instead!
• Red Onion: Diced up into small pieces.
• Garlic: For a savory flavor!
• Tajin Seasoning: Tajin is a chili lime powder that adds a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Cotija Cheese: To garnish, if desired.

How To Grill Mexican Street Corn Jalapeno Poppers

• Prep the Jalapeños: Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a spoon or knife to cut out and remove the seeds. Set the peppers aside.
• Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and then drain on a paper towel. Once cool, dice into pieces.
• Make Filling: To assemble the popper filling, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, and grilled or charred corn to a bowl. Add in the tajin seasoning and mix until combined.
• Fill Peppers: Use a spoon or a piping bag to stuff the centers of each jalapeño halve. You can fill them until they are slightly overflowing.
• Place on Wire Rack: Place each halve on a wire rack for easy transfer on and off the grill or baking in the oven.
• To Smoke: Preheat the smoker to 250 F and set for indirect heat. Place the wire rack of Mexican street corn filled jalapeño poppers onto the grill grates. Close and smoke until the cheese is golden brown, the filling is bubbly, and the peppers are tender, about 40 minutes.
• To Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the wire rack with the popper over the baking sheet. Place the jalapeño poppers into the oven on the center rack. Bake until the cheese is golden brown, the filling is bubbly, and the peppers are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
• Serve: Remove from either the smoker or the oven and serve the Mexican street corn jalapeno poppers with a little more tajin seasoning over the top with some cotija cheese. Use a avocado lime crema as a delicious dipping sauce! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Mexican street corn jalapeno poppers as an appetizer or side dish with all of your grilled favorites like smoked chicken legs or flat iron steak! Your next get together, serve these delicious jalapeño poppers with a plethora of appetizers. Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Chicken Quesadillas
• Smoked Deviled Eggs
• Pepperoncini Dip
• Muffuletta Sliders
• Mini Chicago Hot Dog Sliders

Variations

Peppers: Traditionally, these are made with jalapeño peppers. If you don’t like the spice, you can make them in mini bell peppers instead. Keep in mind that they will have a sweet taste from the bell peppers!

Corn: I like to grill my corn while it is still on the cob, but you can char it in a pan while it is on the cob, or off of the cob. If it is easier, you can buy frozen fire-roasted corn and thaw it before using it in your Mexican street corn jalapeno poppers.

Tajín: I like the flavor that tajin lends here, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can just use chili powder!

Cheese: Use shredded Mexican cheese or simply cheddar or monterrey jack cheese. To serve, add a sprinkle of cotija cheese if desired, or omit it!

More Recipes To Try

• Sweet Potato Fritters
• Garlic Bread with Steak Bruschetta
• Tostones
• Smoked Cream Cheese with Pepper Jelly
• Air Fryer Cheese Curds