How long does it take to smoke jalapeno poppers in the smoker?

It depends on the quantity of poppers, the temperature smoked at, and also whether you’re smoking halved or whole jalapenos, but typically it’s around 90 minutes for the bacon to be crisp enough and the jalapenos to be tender.

Does smoking jalapenos make them hotter?

Yes. Cooking jalapenos releases more capsaicin as they begin to break down. However, because these are smoked at a lower temperature they won’t release as much heat as if they were grilled over direct heat. Removing the seeds and membranes also helps control the heat.

What wood is best for smoking jalapenos?

Think of woods that naturally compliment bacon like apple and hickory. Maple, pecan, and oak are also milder flavors that won’t overpower. Pecan also pairs well with the jalapenos and is traditionally used to create chipotles from jalapenos.

How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling on bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers?

Place the wrapped jalapenos on a baking sheet and allow them to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will stretch out the bacon and let it relax into the new shape. Some people like to use toothpicks to secure the bacon but you not only risk tearing the bacon this way but also letting the filling spill out.

Classic Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

Scale

8 large jalapeno peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, room temp (See Notes)
2 teaspoons Signature Sweet & Smoky Rub
16 slices thin-cut bacon

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Instructions

In a large bowl mix the cream cheese, and other cheeses if using, along with the seasonings of choice.
Slice the jalapenos in half, lengthwise. Use a metal teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes.
Fill each jalapeño cavity with the cheese mixture and press it in. The amount of cheese should just come above the cut line of the jalapeno.
Carefully wrap each with a single piece of bacon. Make sure the cheese is completely covered if possible. This works best if the ends of the bacon are also on the bottom of the jalapeno, so they don’t unwrap.
(optional) Season the bacon with additional BBQ seasoning on the outside.
(optional) Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos on a baking sheet in the fridge for 30 minutes, which helps the bacon to hold its newly formed shape. Read the notes for more details about prepping ahead of time.
Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Please jalapeños on the grill cut-side up and smoke for 1 1/2 hours.
Increase the heat to 350°F and Grill to crisp the bacon for about 15 minutes or until it’s done to the texture you like.
Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, they are filled with molten cheese!

Notes

Mix up the cheeses. Substitute up to 4 ounces of your favorite cheeses such as sharp cheddar to the cream cheese.

Prepping the Day Before

Slice and core the jalapenos.
Fill each of the jalapeno halves with the cream cheese mixture.
Wrap each half with a piece of bacon tightly, making sure the cheese is covered if possible.
Place the jalapenos in an airtight container or a baking sheet with plastic wrap in the fridge. Make sure they are cheese-side up. These can be prepared the day before.

Author: Brad Prose
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: Side Dish, Appetizer

Keywords: Smoked jalapeno popper, bacon-wrapped jalapeno popper, stuffed jalapenos, smoked stuffed jalapenos