Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Smoked Jalapeño Poppers offer a delicious balance of heat, creaminess, and smokiness. The fresh jalapeños are stuffed with a savory cheese mixture, then smoked to perfection, resulting in a rich and flavorful appetizer. They’re customizable, making it easy to swap out ingredients and experiment with your favorite fillings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a savory snack, these poppers are a must-try!
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using an oven, set it to the same temperature.
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes (wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the jalapeños).
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Mix well until fully blended.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Make sure each popper is fully stuffed for maximum flavor.
- Smoke the Poppers: Place the stuffed jalapeños on the smoker rack or in a grill pan. Smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving on a platter.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (1 popper per serving)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a few drops of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack to customize the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the poppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the jalapeños ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to smoke or bake them.
Can I make these in the oven instead of the smoker?
Yes, if you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the poppers in the oven at 225°F (107°C) for the same amount of time, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How can I make these poppers spicier?
You can add finely chopped fresh jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Can I freeze these poppers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed and unbaked poppers. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
Conclusion
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect appetizer for any event, offering a delightful combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. The smoky aroma and the rich, cheesy filling make them irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re using a smoker or an oven, these poppers are simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit with your friends and family. They’re perfect for sharing and enjoying, making them the ultimate savory snack for any gathering!
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers: A Smoky, Cheesy Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers are a smoky, spicy appetizer filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture, perfect for any occasion. The smoky flavor and creamy filling make these poppers irresistible.
Ingredients
12 fresh jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using an oven, set it to the same temperature.
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes (wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the jalapeños).
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Mix well until fully blended.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Make sure each popper is fully stuffed for maximum flavor.
- Smoke the Poppers: Place the stuffed jalapeños on the smoker rack or in a grill pan. Smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving on a platter.
Notes
Spicy Twist: Add a few drops of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for extra heat.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack to customize the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
