PREP TIME
10
MINS
IDLE TIME
N/A
HOURS
COOK TIME
20-25
MINS
PELLETS
Gold
BLEND
SERVES
3-4
PEOPLE
How do you make jalapeño poppers on a pellet grill?
Jalapeño poppers are easy to make on a pellet grill by filling halved jalapeños with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapping them in bacon if desired, and cooking until the peppers are tender and the bacon is crispy. Smoking the poppers over hardwood pellets adds a rich wood-fired flavor that complements the spicy peppers, savory bacon, and creamy filling. They make a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game days, barbecues, and backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
- 10-15 jalapenos
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1 scallion bundle
- 1 cup sun-dried tomato
- 1 handful basil
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 oz cream cheese
- 1 tomato
- 1 handful cilantro
Jim Elser’s Bacon Sun-dried Tomato Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are a party staple and should be in every backyard barbecuer’s bag of tricks. This jalapeno popper recipe comes from our friend Jim Elser with Sweet Smoke Q. Tomato and Basil brings this sumptuous snack to the next level, while the bacon and cheese keep it familiar and appealing for everyone.
Directions
- Preheat your grill to 325.
- Slice the Jalapenos lengthwise and deseed them.
- Dice cooked bacon, scallions, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
- Combine the diced ingredients with softened cream cheese in a bowl. Thoroughly mix into the cheese until the ingredients are evenly dispersed through the cheese.
- Add 1 cup of sharp cheddar and continue to mix.
- Add the filling to a 1 gallon ziplock bag, cut the corner, and squeeze your cheese filling into the cavity of your sliced jalapenos.
- Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed jalapenos.
- Place the stuffed jalapenos onto a cooking rack, and put them into the grill. Placing them on a rack prior to cooking will help you avoid removing 20 poppers 1 at a time once they are hot and ready.
- After 20-25 minutes, the jalapenos should be ready. You don’t want them to be too crunchy or too soggy – so pay attention after the 20 minute mark to ensure perfect poppers.
- Chop up the tomato and cilantro, spread them on top of the poppers for a nice presentation, and you’re done.
Enjoy!
FAQs
How long do smoked jalapeño poppers take to cook on a pellet grill?
Most jalapeño poppers cook in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the grill temperature, the size of the peppers, and whether they’re wrapped in bacon. They’re ready when the peppers are tender, the filling is hot, and the bacon is crisp.
What wood pellets are best for smoked jalapeño poppers?
Apple, cherry, pecan, and hickory pellets all work well. Fruit woods provide a mild sweetness, while hickory adds a bolder smoke that pairs well with bacon and cheese.
Can you make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes. Jalapeño poppers can be assembled several hours in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook, making them a great option for parties and tailgates.
How do you make jalapeño poppers less spicy?
Remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños before filling them. Most of the pepper’s heat comes from these parts, creating a milder appetizer while still keeping great flavor.
What should I serve with smoked jalapeño poppers?
Smoked jalapeño poppers pair well with barbecue, burgers, smoked chicken wings, ribs, grilled steak, fresh vegetables, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauces.
