Easy smoked bacon wrapped hatch chili poppers are a fun way to enjoy hatch chili pepper season and indulge in this delicious grilled appetizer!

It's hatch chili season and you need to take advantage of it by making these epic poppers on your smoker (or in the oven). 

Why use hatch chilis over traditional jalapenos? Well, these peppers are a much milder spice level and they are larger than a jalapeno. This makes it great for snacking and enjoying more good food!

Start by slicing each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or pairing knife and scrape out the pith and the seeds. 

Whip up the cream cheese based filling and spread the mixture into the inside of each cut pepper. Use a butter knife for easy filling.  

Use thin cut bacon. Wrap one piece around the pepper and place them seam side down on a wire rack lined baking sheet (this catches the grease and prevents that from dripping into the grill). 

Smoked the peppers until the bacon is crispy, the fat has rendered, and the cheese is bubbly. Remove and let them rest for 5 minutes before eating. 

These are a perfect game day appetizer, fun for picnics, parties, and more! I can always count on these peppers being a huge hit, so make plenty!

If you love hatch chili season, be sure to grab the recipe below and also check out this recipe for my hatch chili margarita too!