Grilled Oaxaca Stuffed Poblanos Peppers Recipe

This Grilled Oaxaca Stuffed Poblano Peppers recipe combines smoky grilled peppers with creamy melted Oaxaca cheese, fresh cilantro, and bold Mexican-inspired spices for a flavorful barbecue dish. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this easy grilled recipe is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian-friendly addition to summer BBQs, family dinners, and outdoor gatherings.

The Inspiration

Inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, this recipe celebrates the rich flavors of roasted peppers and melted cheese. Poblano peppers are a staple in Mexican cooking, known for their mild heat, earthy flavor, and ability to hold delicious fillings. While classic dishes like chile rellenos often feature battered and fried peppers, Maddie and Kiki bring a barbecue twist by grilling the peppers directly over high heat for a smoky flavor and lightly charred exterior.

Oaxaca cheese is the perfect filling for these grilled peppers because of its mild, creamy taste and excellent melting quality. Similar to mozzarella in texture, this Mexican cheese creates a deliciously stretchy filling that pairs beautifully with the smoky sweetness of grilled poblano peppers.

The combination of warm spices, fresh cilantro, and melted cheese creates a simple yet impressive dish that showcases how grilling can transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

4 large poblano peppers
2 heaping cups of Oaxaca cheese, grated
¼ cup of cilantro, finely chopped
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Your favorite salsa, for dipping

Method

Pre-heat grill to high heat of 425F.
Cut a slit lengthwise along the side of the peppers, without piercing through the other side.
Gently open up the peppers to remove the seeds from the inside.
In a mixing bowl, toss together the cheese, cilantro, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Using your fingers, stuff each pepper with equal amounts of the cheese mixture.
Press the peppers closed.
Brush the outside of the peppers with oil.
Place peppers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
If you notice the cheese melting out of the pepper, flip it to keep the slit at the top.
Once the peppers and soft and slightly charred all around, remove from the grill and let chill for 3 minutes.
Serve grilled poblanos with your favorite salsa on the side. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Oaxaca Stuffed Poblanos are a delicious addition to any Mexican-inspired meal, summer barbecue, or casual gathering. Serve them as an appetizer alongside fresh salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips, or a refreshing corn salad. They also make an excellent vegetarian main dish when paired with Mexican rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

For entertaining, arrange the grilled peppers on a serving platter and garnish with extra cilantro, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of crema for a colorful presentation. They pair beautifully with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or barbecue pork, making them a versatile side dish for larger BBQ spreads. A chilled lime beverage, sparkling water, or a refreshing margarita-style drink complements the smoky peppers and rich cheese filling perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Oaxaca Stuffed Poblano Peppers recipe is a celebration of Mexican-inspired flavors, smoky barbecue cooking, and the irresistible combination of peppers and melted cheese. The mild poblano peppers become tender and flavorful on the grill, while the Oaxaca cheese filling creates a rich, creamy center enhanced by fragrant herbs and spices.

Whether served as a vegetarian appetizer, a flavorful side dish, or part of a Mexican-inspired feast, these grilled stuffed peppers bring bold flavor and beautiful presentation to any table.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!