Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

These Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, cheesy, and crispy. Stuffed with a rich, creamy cheese filling and wrapped in flavorful beef bacon, these poppers are smoked to perfection, making them the ultimate appetizer for BBQs, game days, or any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky & Crispy – Smoking adds deep flavor, while beef bacon gets beautifully crispy.
• Spicy & Cheesy – Creamy filling balances the jalapeño heat.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
• Great for BBQs & Parties – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb – No breading needed, just pure, delicious flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 10 fresh jalapeños (halved and deseeded)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 10 slices beef bacon (cut in half)
• Toothpicks (to secure bacon)

Directions

1. Preheat the Smoker

• Set your smoker to 250°F using hickory, mesquite, or cherry wood for the best flavor.

2. Prepare the Jalapeños

• Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds/membranes for milder heat.

3. Make the Cheese Filling

• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Stuff the Jalapeños

• Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.

5. Wrap with Beef Bacon

• Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of beef bacon, securing with a toothpick.

6. Smoke the Poppers

• Place jalapeño poppers directly on the smoker grates.
• Smoke at 250°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.

7. Serve & Enjoy

• Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ranch, BBQ sauce, or a drizzle of honey!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 poppers
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Extra Spicy – Leave some seeds or add red pepper flakes.
• Meaty Filling – Mix in crumbled smoked brisket or pulled pork.
• Sweet & Spicy – Glaze with honey or maple syrup before serving.
• Cheese Swap – Try pepper jack or gouda for different flavors.
• Air Fryer Version – Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
  • Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Microwave – Not recommended, as it softens the bacon.

FAQs

Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?

Yes! Pork bacon works too, but beef bacon has a unique smoky, meaty flavor.

How do I make these less spicy?

Remove all seeds/membranes and soak jalapeños in water for 30 minutes before stuffing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prep and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before smoking.

What wood is best for smoking jalapeño poppers?

Hickory, mesquite, or cherry wood add great smoky depth.

Can I freeze leftover poppers?

Yes, freeze before smoking, then thaw and smoke when ready.

Can I cook these in the oven instead of a smoker?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy.

What dipping sauces go well with these poppers?

Ranch, BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo pair perfectly.

How do I make the bacon extra crispy?

Smoke at 275°F for the last 15-20 minutes for crispier bacon.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, but it won’t crisp as well as beef or pork bacon.

What can I serve with smoked jalapeño poppers?

They pair great with smoked ribs, brisket, or grilled burgers!

Conclusion

These Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate BBQ appetizer—spicy, smoky, cheesy, and crispy. Perfect for game day, cookouts, or just because, they bring bold flavor to any gathering. Fire up your smoker and enjoy the best poppers you’ve ever had!

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