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    Home » Pellet Grill/Smoker

    Best Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

    Published: Oct 11, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe
    A closeup of smoked jalapeno poppers on a white serving platter.

    These Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are seriously delicious and definitely worth making. And they are so easy! The jalapeño peppers are stuffed with a cheesy and flavorful filling, wrapped in bacon, then smoked until the bacon is nice and crispy. The result is a smoky, cheesy, spicy treat that is super addictive. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you'll be hooked!

    A closeup of the smoked jalapeno poppers on a grilling tray. this …

    I thought at first that this smoked jalapeno poppers recipe would be time-consuming and too much trouble to make, but I was so wrong!

    The best part about this recipe is that it is an easy appetizer to make, just like my Smoked Chex Mix. You can even freeze these smoked poppers so you can enjoy them anytime!

    This great appetizer is perfect for the Super Bowl, game day, or any other get-together, at any time of year.

    I like to serve these alongside my other easy appetizers, Taco Dip and Spinach Dip.

    I will warn you, make lots because these smoker jalapeno poppers won't last long!

    If you love this recipe, try my Smoked Shotgun Shells next!

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    • A white bowl filled with mango habanero salsa.
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    Jump to:
    • 🥘 More Appetizer Recipes
    • 🌶️ What are jalapeño poppers?
    • 🧡 Why you will love this recipe
    • 🧾 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • Can You Make this Ahead?
    • 🧤 Do I need to wear gloves when handling jalapeno peppers?
    • 🧀 Substitutions
    • 🌶️ Variations
    • ♨️ Equipment You'll Need
    • 🌡️ Storage Instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • ❓ Recipe FAQs
    • 🥗  What to eat with jalapeno poppers
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 📑 Food safety

    🌶️ What are jalapeño poppers?

    Jalapeño poppers, aka Atomic Buffalo Turds, are a delicious snack or appetizer made with jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, and sometimes bacon or breading.

    They are perfect for parties and gatherings and are always a hit with guests!

    If you're looking for a tasty way to spice up your next party, give jalapeño poppers a try!

    🧡 Why you will love this recipe

    • Uses simple ingredients. All of these ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store.
    • Can be prepared ahead of time. This recipe can easily be prepared earlier in the day and placed in the fridge until ready to cook.
    • Flavor. These smoky jalapeno poppers are packed with smoky flavor! The combination of smoked jalapenos, bacon, and melty cheese is irresistible. The bacon strips add a delicious flavor that takes them over the top. Of course, everything tastes better with bacon, right? Plus, the bacon keeps the jalapeños from drying out.
    • Popular. These are one of the best appetizers for your next BBQ, game day, party, or holiday gathering. Plus, leftover poppers make quick snacks that everyone will enjoy.
    • Easy. They are SO easy to make, and this recipe is foolproof; you can't mess it up!
    • Make them hot or mild. They can be made to suit your tastes. For example, if you like your poppers extra spicy, leave the seeds in the jalapenos. Or, remove the seeds before stuffing them with the cheese mixture for a milder version.

    🧾 Ingredients Needed

    The ingredients for smoked bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers measured out and placed on a wooden table..
    • Jalapeno peppers. I used medium-large green jalapeno peppers from my greenhouse that I de-seeded and removed the membrane.
    • Cream cheese. I used full-fat cream cheese that I left at room temperature to soften. When it is soft it blends more easily with the other ingredients.
    • Cheddar cheese, shredded. I used white cheddar cheese.
    • Smoked paprika. I love smoked paprika; it adds great flavor to almost everything!
    • Garlic powder enhances the flavor.
    • Bacon slices. Cut each slice of bacon in half. I used regular-cut slices of bacon. Thick bacon would not crisp up very nicely. The half strips cover each jalapeno perfectly.
    • Red pepper flakes, optional. These add a bit more color and a little extra kick.

    See the printable recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Instructions

    Preheat your electric smoker to 250 degrees F, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    First, before you do anything, put on latex gloves.

    Next, wash the jalapenos with cold water. Then, slice the jalapenos with a paring knife in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the white membrane. I left the stem on as I like to use it as a handle when lifting the poppers. (Plus it looks pretty). If you want more heat in the poppers, feel free to leave some seeds or membrane in the pepper.

    The jalapeno peppers sliced in half, seeded, with white membrane removed.

    Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth in a medium mixing bowl. Add cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until combined.

    The ingredients for the cheese filling added to a glass bowl.

    Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Divide the creamy filling evenly among all of the jalapeno halves.

    A hand using a spoon to fill the jalapeno pepper halves with the cream cheese filling.

    Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a piece of bacon. I wrapped the ends of the bacon so they are underneath the pepper. You can also secure the bacon slice with a toothpick.

    A hand wrapping a slice of bacon around the filled jalapeno pepper.

    Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the pepper if desired.

    A hand sprinkling red pepper flakes on top of the prepared jalapeno peppers.

    Place prepared jalapeno poppers in the preheated smoker, directly on the grill grates or on a grilling tray

    Prepared bacon wrapped peppers placed in the smoker to cook.

    Smoke in your electric smoker for 60-90 minutes, or until the peppers soften and the bacon is cooked through and crispy.

    After 75 minutes on my Pit Boss smoker, the bacon was completely crispy. If you want your bacon even crispier, put the poppers under the broiler in your oven for about 2 minutes.

    The fully cooked bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers on a grilling tray.

    Remove the smoked jalapeño poppers from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Be careful when biting into the smoked popper; it contains molten hot cheese.

    Enjoy!

    A closeup of the jalapeno poppers on a white serving tray.

    Can You Make this Ahead?

    Yes! Simply prepare the recipe up to the point of cooking. Then, cover the poppers in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in the fridge until you're ready to smoke them! They will last in the fridge for 2-3 days.

    🧤 Do I need to wear gloves when handling jalapeno peppers?

    Yes, I highly recommend it.

    I did not wear gloves when I prepared these jalapeno poppers. However, unfortunately, I suffered an extremely painful burning sensation in my right hand from the capsaicin in the peppers, which gives the peppers their spiciness.

    I tried everything to alleviate the pain. Cold water, an ice pack, soaking my hand in yogurt and milk, and nothing helped.

    My hand turned red and it burned terribly. It took about 6 hours before the pain subsided.

    The point of this story? Please put on gloves before touching jalapeno peppers as you may have a reaction like I did.

    🧀 Substitutions

    You can easily change up this smoked jalapeno popper recipe to use what you already have on hand. Here are some options:

    • Cream cheese- instead of full-fat cream cheese, you can use fat free cream cheese.
    • Cheddar cheese- use different cheeses such as sharp cheddar, gouda cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
    • Smoked paprika - use regular paprika instead
    • Garlic powder - use minced garlic or garlic flakes instead
    • Bacon - use turkey bacon or thin-sliced bacon. Thick-cut bacon will not crisp up.

    🌶️ Variations

    These smoked jalapeno peppers are delicious - and super easy to make!

    The best part is that you can easily customize them to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different cheese and spices, or even wrap them in chorizo!

    • Spicy: For extra spicy jalapeno poppers, take the seeds and add them to the cheese mixture. You could also add chili powder to the cheese mixture.
    • Deluxe: Top bacon-wrapped jalapenos with sour cream.

    Be sure to try out my Air Fryer Armadillo Eggs, another great appetizer!

    ♨️ Equipment You'll Need

    Smoker. To make these delicious smoked bacon wrapped jalapenos, you will need a smoker. There are many different models and types of smokers, and they may cook differently.

    I have made this recipe on my Pit Boss pellet grill and Traeger Silverton grill.

    You can also use any other smoker, such as a Char-Broil, Master Chef, ZGrill, or Masterbuilt smoker.

    Just follow the start-up instructions in your owner's manual, as they might be different.

    Wood pellets: There are many types of wood pellets that can be used for smoking jalapeno poppers with bacon. Some popular options include hickory, pecan, and maple; or fruit wood such as apple wood pellets.

    🌡️ Storage Instructions

    Leftover poppers can be placed in an airtight container and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, transfer them to a plastic bag or container, and place them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    When ready to enjoy them again, thaw the poppers in the fridge overnight.

    An extreme closeup of the smoked jalapeno poppers.

    💭 Top tips

    • For the best results, start with fresh jalapenos that are smooth without bumpy lines.
    • Always use gloves when removing the seeds and membrane.
    • For extra spice, leave in some seeds ... if you dare!
    • The cook time will depend largely on the size of your peppers. Large peppers will take longer to cook than smaller peppers.
    • When they're done, remove the stuffed smoked jalapenos from the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These smoked jalapenos are best served warm, so don't wait too long before digging in!

    ❓ Recipe FAQs

    Can you freeze fresh jalapeno poppers?

    Yes, you can freeze fresh jalapeno poppers! Just place them on parchment paper on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Then, when ready to enjoy, thaw and bake according to the recipe.

    Can you freeze smoked jalapeno poppers?

    Yes, you can freeze smoked jalapeno poppers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and transfer to a freezer bag or container.

    Can I make these without bacon?

    Yes, you can make jalapeno poppers without bacon. Just omit the bacon from the recipe. They will still be delicious.

    🥗  What to eat with jalapeno poppers

    Some of my favorite dishes to eat with these jalapeno poppers are crispy wings, either Air Fryer Chicken Wings or Smoked Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or a Taco Bell Crunchwrap.

    I also like to serve them with Rice, Smoked Pork Butt, and Smoked Burgers.

    A side view of the smoked jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon after they are fully cooked on the electric smoker.

    If you tried this Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers recipe, please take a moment to leave a star rating or comment letting me know how you liked it! I love hearing from you!

    📋 Recipe

    A closeup of the smoked jalapeno poppers on a grilling tray.

    Best Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

    These Smoked Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are seriously delicious and definitely worth making. And they are so easy! The jalapeño peppers are stuffed with a cheesy and flavorful filling, wrapped in bacon, then smoked until the bacon is nice and crispy. The result is a smokey, cheesy, spicy treat that is super addictive. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you'll be hooked!
    5 from 43 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 104kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
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    Equipment

    • Pellet grill

    Ingredients

    • 8 Jalapeno peppers
    • 8 oz cream cheese softened
    • ¾ cup cheddar cheese shredded
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 8 bacon slices regular bacon, cut in half
    • ⅛ red pepper flakes optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F.
    • Put on gloves, and slice jalapenos in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and the white membrane.
    • Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth in a medium mixing bowl. Add cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until combined.
    • Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Divide the filling mixture evenly among all of the peppers.
    • Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a piece of bacon. I wrap the ends of the bacon so they are underneath the pepper. You can also secure the bacon with a toothpick.
    • Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the peppers if desired.
    • Place the peppers on a baking sheet or grilling tray. This makes it easier to carry them out to your pellet smoker.
    • Place jalapeno poppers in the smoker, directly on the grill grates, or on a grilling tray.
    • Smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until the peppers soften and the bacon is cooked through and crispy. You can also put the poppers under the broiler in your oven for 2 minutes to crisp up the bacon.
    • Remove from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only. 
    Storage:
    Fridge: Leftover poppers can be placed in an airtight container and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Freezer: You can also freeze the smoked poppers on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a plastic bag or airtight container. Then, put them in the freezer for up to 2 months. 
    Top Tips:
    • For best results, start with fresh jalapenos that are smooth without bumpy lines.
    • Always use gloves when removing the seeds and membrane.
    • For extra spice, leave in some seeds ... if you dare!
    • When they're done, remove the stuffed smoked jalapenos from the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These smoked jalapenos are best served warm, so don't wait too long before digging in!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

    📑 Food safety

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

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    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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