Spicy & Smoky Beef Bacon Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Crispy, spicy, and irresistible, these smoked beef bacon jalapeño poppers capture the essence of hearty appetizers.

Jalapeños bring a fiery kick that dances across your taste buds with each delectable bite.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly inside these hand-held flavor bombs, creating an explosion of textures.

Smoky beef bacon wraps around the peppers, adding a rich, savory dimension that elevates the entire experience.

Home cooks and grill masters alike will appreciate the simplicity behind this mouthwatering recipe.

Bold flavors and easy preparation make these poppers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Prepare to impress everyone with this killer appetizer that promises to become your new party favorite.

What’s So Good About Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

• Kick Up the Heat: These poppers pack a serious flavor punch with a perfect blend of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and smoky beef bacon that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Smoke Master's Dream: Incredibly easy to prepare, this recipe lets backyard grill masters showcase their skills with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness in just under 2 hours.
• Party Crowd-Pleaser
• Protein-Packed Snack: Loaded with ground beef or brisket and wrapped in beef bacon, these jalapeno poppers offer a protein-rich treat that satisfies hunger and craving in one delightful bite.

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh, spicy peppers that provide a kick and serve as the base for the poppers. Choose firm, bright green peppers without soft spots or blemishes.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy base that helps balance the heat and provides smooth texture. Full-fat version works best for richness.

• Beef Bacon, Ground Beef or Brisket: Protein-rich ingredients that add smoky and savory flavors. Opt for high-quality, well-marbled beef bacon.

• Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that enhance the filling's flavor and add complexity. Sharp cheddar provides better taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Signature spices that build depth and complexity in the filling. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum flavor.

• BBQ Sauce: Optional glaze that adds sweet and tangy notes to the poppers. Choose a balanced, not overly sweet sauce.
• Toothpicks: Helpful for securing bacon if needed. Wooden toothpicks work best.

Top Tips For Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

• Manage Spice Levels: Carefully remove jalapeno seeds and membranes to reduce heat, making poppers milder for sensitive palates while keeping delicious flavor intact.
• Perfect Bacon Wrapping: Stretch beef bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure even coverage and crispy texture around stuffed jalapenos without leaving gaps.
• Cheese Mixture Mastery: Ensure cream cheese is room temperature for smooth blending, creating a uniform filling that incorporates ground beef or brisket seamlessly.
• Smoke Wood Selection: Experiment with different wood chips like hickory or cherry to develop complex smoky undertones that complement the beef and spicy jalapeno profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all ingredients, especially BBQ sauce, are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with dietary restrictions.

Storing Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Smartly

• Preserve these mouthwatering poppers like a pro.
• Refrigerate leftover poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cool them completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap each popper individually in plastic wrap or wax paper to maintain their crispy texture.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore their delicious crunch and smoky flavor.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the bacon soggy and compromise the crisp exterior.
• Freeze for longer storage by placing poppers in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Frozen poppers can last up to 1 month when properly sealed.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best taste and texture.

Pair Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe With These

• Craft Spicy Beer Companions: Grab a hoppy IPA or a crisp lager to balance the smoky heat of these jalapeno poppers. The beer's coolness will perfectly complement the rich, spicy flavors and cut through the creamy cheese filling.
• Design Fresh Dipping Delights: Whip up a zesty ranch or cooling sour cream dip to provide a smooth contrast to the poppers' intense smoky-spicy profile. The creamy sauce will help tame the jalapeno's kick while enhancing overall taste experience.
• Prepare Complementary Side Kicks: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad or crisp coleslaw to add refreshing brightness. These sides will provide a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the rich, smoky bacon-wrapped poppers.
• Match Wine Flavor Adventure: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or a bold Zinfandel to stand up to the poppers' robust flavors. The wine's characteristics will dance beautifully with the smoky beef bacon and spicy jalapeno notes.

Twists On Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken and add black beans, corn, and southwest seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Incorporate additional cheese varieties like gouda, blue cheese, or monterey jack to create a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Swap ground beef for lamb, mix feta cheese into the filling, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Mediterranean-style popper experience.
• Vegetarian Wellness

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe FAQ

• What makes beef bacon different from regular bacon?

Beef bacon is made from beef belly instead of pork, offering a richer, meatier flavor profile that’s perfect for those who don’t eat pork or want a more intense meat experience.

• How spicy are these jalapeno poppers?

The heat level depends on the jalapenos’ seeds and membranes. Removing seeds and membranes reduces spiciness, so you can customize the heat to your preference by how much you clean out the peppers.

• Can I prepare the poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the poppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before smoking. This makes them great for meal prep or party planning, allowing you to have them ready to go when needed.

• What if I don't have a smoker?

No worries! You can use an oven at 250F and add a few drops of liquid smoke to the filling, or use a grill with indirect heat to achieve a similar smoky flavor.

How To Make Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up The Smoky Flavor

Crank your smoker to a toasty 250F. Choose wood chips that’ll make your taste buds dance – hickory for boldness, cherry for sweetness, or pecan for that smooth smokiness. These wood choices are your flavor secret weapons.

Step 2: Create A Killer Cheese Blend

• Softened cream cheese
• Sharp cheddar
• Spicy pepper jack
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Crumbled cooked ground beef or tender brisket

Mash and stir everything until it looks like a creamy dream. This mixture will be your jalapeno’s best friend.

Step 3: Jalapeno Stuffing Extravaganza

Slice those spicy peppers in half and go wild stuffing them with your epic cheese blend. Don’t be shy – pack that filling like you mean it!

Step 4: Wrap With Beef Bacon Magic

Lovingly wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of beef bacon. Think of it like giving each popper a warm, crispy hug. Use toothpicks if they need a little support.

Step 5: Smoke And Transform

Carefully place these beauties directly on the smoker grates. Let them hang out for 1.5 to 2 hours. You’re looking for crispy bacon and tender jalapenos that scream “eat me!”

Step 6: Glaze For The Win

During the last 15 minutes, brush on some BBQ sauce. This is your chance to add an extra flavor punch that’ll make everyone’s eyes pop.

Step 7: Serve And Devour

Pull those smoky, spicy, cheesy poppers off the grill. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue. Then dive in and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy meets smoky in these irresistible smoked beef bacon jalapeño poppers that elevate game day snacking with bold southwestern flavors. Crispy bacon wraps around creamy cheese-stuffed peppers, delivering a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 large jalapenos, halved and seeds removed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) cooked ground beef (or smoked brisket, finely chopped)
• 12 slices beef bacon (cut in half)

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Glaze:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• Toothpicks (to secure bacon)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the smoker to a steady 250F, selecting aromatic woods like hickory, cherry, or pecan to infuse rich, smoky nuances into the dish.
2. Create a luscious filling by blending cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and finely chopped cooked ground beef or brisket until the mixture reaches a smooth, harmonious consistency.
3. Carefully slice jalapeños lengthwise, removing seeds to moderate heat levels, then generously fill each pepper half with the creamy, meaty mixture.
4. Meticulously wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of beef bacon, using toothpicks to secure the crispy exterior if necessary.
5. Arrange the bacon-draped poppers directly on the smoker grates, allowing them to slowly transform over 1.5 to 2 hours until the bacon achieves a perfect golden crispness and jalapeños become tender.
6. During the final quarter-hour of smoking, apply a thin, even layer of tangy BBQ sauce to introduce an additional depth of flavor and glossy finish.
7. Once removed from the smoker, allow the poppers to rest briefly, then serve while they’re still warm, inviting guests to savor the complex layers of smoky, spicy, and savory elements.

Notes

• Choose peppers with uniform size for consistent cooking and easier stuffing.
• Select jalapeños that are firm, bright green, and free from blemishes to ensure top-quality poppers.
• Remove seeds and membranes carefully to control heat level, leaving some for spice lovers or completely deseeding for milder versions.
• Opt for high-quality beef bacon with good marbling to guarantee crispy, flavorful wrapping.
• Cream cheese should be room temperature for smooth, easy mixing with other ingredients.
• Consider using pre-cooked ground beef or leftover brisket for added depth and smoky undertones.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gouda, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Monitor bacon closely during smoking to prevent burning and achieve perfect crispiness.
• Gluten-free and low-carb dieters can enjoy this recipe as-is without modifications.
• Vegetarian alternative: Replace beef bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon strips.
• Prep poppers ahead of time and refrigerate before smoking for convenient party preparation.
• Allow poppers to rest briefly after smoking to let cheese set and flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg