Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers (Smoked)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large jalapeños; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp chipotle seasoning; 12 slices bacon; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp chili powder; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; ranch dressing, for serving

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers feature a creamy chipotle-cheddar filling stuffed into fresh jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, and smoked until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted through. The sweet brown sugar rub adds depth to the spicy-savory flavor profile.

🌍American 🏷️Jalapeño poppers 🏷️Bacon-wrapped 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Game-day Barbecue

🏷️

🏷️Smoked

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

1h 20m

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

6 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chipotle seasoning
12 slices bacon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp chili powder
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
ranch dressing, for servingoptional

10 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, keeping some of the stem intact for easier handling.
2
Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds and membranes from each jalapeño half.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and chipotle seasoning. Mix until well combined.
4
Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill.
5
Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one slice of regular-cut bacon.
6
Arrange the bacon-wrapped poppers in a single layer in a disposable foil pan or on a baking sheet.
7
Sprinkle the tops of the poppers generously with brown sugar.
8
Season the poppers with chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
9
Place the pan of poppers on a cold smoker. Let them cook as the smoker preheats and comes to temperature.
10
Smoke for approximately 1 hour, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
11
Remove from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
12
Serve with ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Remove the stem and slice each jalapeño lengthwise, then carefully scoop out seeds and membrane with a small spoon to prevent tears and reduce excess heat.
Pack the cream cheese mixture firmly into the jalapeño halves so it doesn't escape during smoking; smooth the top flush with the pepper edge.
Wrap bacon snugly around each popper and secure the seam with a toothpick to prevent unraveling; the bacon should overlap slightly.
Maintain smoker temperature at 225°F for even cooking and crispy bacon without drying out the cheese filling.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → mascarpone or softened goat cheese (creamier texture, tangier flavor)
Cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack or pepper jack (milder or spicier alternative)
Chipotle seasoning → smoked paprika + cumin + garlic powder (DIY smoke flavor)
Brown sugar rub → maple syrup brush instead (lighter sweetness, less char)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to avoid overcooking the bacon.