How to Make Delicious Traeger Jalapeno Poppers

This recipe for stuffed jalapeños from Traeger Grills highlights a delicious and spicy appetizer perfect for game days. The jalapeños are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mixture, enhanced with Traeger's Pork & Poultry Rub, and further elevated by the addition of mini cocktail sausages. Wrapped in crispy, salty bacon and smoked to perfection on a Traeger grill, these poppers offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Crafting the Perfect Smoky Stuffed Jalapeños

When it comes to elevating your appetizer game, nothing quite matches the thrill of smoky stuffed jalapeños. These fiery bites, packed with creamy cheese and savory sausage, wrapped in crispy bacon, are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a game day party or simply looking for a delectable snack, this recipe promises to deliver a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To create these mouth-watering jalapeño poppers, gather the following ingredients:

• 40 fresh jalapeño peppers
• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoons of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
• 2 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 (14 oz) package of mini cocktail sausages
• 20 slices of smoked bacon, cut in half

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Start by washing and drying the peppers. Remove the stems using a paring knife and carefully scrape out the seeds and ribs with a small spoon.

2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth. Transfer this mixture into a sturdy plastic bag, trimming a ½-inch off one corner to create a piping bag.

3. Fill the Peppers: Pipe the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño, filling them slightly more than halfway. Insert a mini cocktail sausage into each stuffed pepper.

4. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each pepper with a half slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks. Place the stuffed peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet.

5. Smoke the Peppers: Preheat your Traeger grill to 180°F using hickory pellets. Place the baking sheet on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke the peppers for one hour for that rich, smoky flavor.

6. Crisp the Bacon: Increase the grill temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the jalapeño poppers from the grill and serve them warm. These smoky, spicy, and creamy bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tips for Success:

• Adjusting the Heat: For milder poppers, be thorough in removing all seeds and ribs from the jalapeños, as these contain the majority of the heat.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing in different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
• Bacon Alternatives: For a different taste, consider using turkey bacon or prosciutto.

Conclusion:

Creating smoky stuffed jalapeños is a rewarding experience that combines the thrill of grilling with the pleasure of enjoying a delicious snack. By following this recipe, you'll master the art of crafting perfect poppers that balance heat, creaminess, and crispiness in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a kitchen novice, these jalapeño poppers are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.