Smoked Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy jalapeños stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, smoked to perfection for a smoky, cheesy appetizer. This bbq & smoked-inspired snacks ready in about 80 minutes turns large jalapeño peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, cream cheese, softened into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 12 large jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon. In a bowl, combine 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 6 cooked and chopped bacon strips, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese and bacon mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling.
  3. Step 3: Soak 1.5 cups apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat smoker to 225°F and add wood chips.
  4. Step 4: Place stuffed jalapeños on the smoker rack, skin side down, and smoke for 1 hour or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm as a smoky, spicy appetizer.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoked Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoked Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoked Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Cheddar and Bacon?

BBQ & Smoked snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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