When it comes to game day, you need appetizers that are bold, easy to grab, and guaranteed to impress a hungry crowd. These Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers check every box - smoky, a little spicy, and wrapped in crispy bacon. Stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese filling and seasoned with The Bearded Butcher Hot & Bold Blend, these poppers bring big flavor in every bite. Whether you're tailgating or watching from home, this is the kind of snack that disappears before kickoff.
Chefs note:
Before starting this recipe, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature—this makes mixing much easier and ensures a smooth, pipeable filling. For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese if using; freshly shredded cheese melts far better than pre-shredded varieties.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (1 Block)
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 Cup Scallion, Finely Sliced
- 1 Tsp of The Bearded Butcher Hot Seasoning Blend
- 1 Tsp of The Bearded Butcher Bold Seasoning Blend
- 15-20 Strips of Bacon, Raw
- 10-12 Jalapeño Peppers
Instructions:
- Preheat the smoker to 350°F.
- Prepare the jalapeños - Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Repeat until all 10 peppers are cleaned.
- Make the filling - In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, finely sliced scallions, The Bearded Butcher Hot Blend, and The Bearded Butcher Bold Blend seasoning. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fill the peppers - Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, or use a piping bag for cleaner, faster filling. Fill each pepper generously.
- Wrap with bacon - Lay the bacon strips flat and cut each strip lengthwise down the middle. Wrapping with the thinner strips makes it easier to secure the peppers. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with 1-2 bacon strips, covering as much of the filling as possible.
- Smoke the poppers - Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños directly on the smoker grates. Smoke at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is heated through.
- Serve - Remove from the smoker and let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with a little hot honey if desired for a sweet-heat finish. These are best enjoyed hot and fresh - perfect for game day!
No game day spread is complete without something that brings the heat, and these smoked bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers always deliver. They're easy to make, fun to eat, and packed with flavor thanks to The Bearded Butcher Hot & Bold Blend. Set them out, drizzle with a little hot honey, and don't be surprised with they disappear faster that the snacks at halftime. These poppers are about to become a game day tradition!
