Smoked Jalapeño Poppers: A Smoky, Cheesy Appetizer

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

  1. Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using an oven, set it to the same temperature.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. Stuff the Jalapeños: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Make sure each popper is fully stuffed for maximum flavor.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. Spicy Twist: Add a few drops of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for extra heat.
  2. 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!


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Smoked Jalapeño Poppers: A Smoky, Cheesy Appetizer

Smoked Jalapeño Poppers: A Smoky, Cheesy Appetizer

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  • Author: Amy
  • 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

  1. Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using an oven, set it to the same temperature.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. Stuff the Jalapeños: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Make sure each popper is fully stuffed for maximum flavor.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
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