These Smoked Traeger Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. The jalapeños are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and finished with a sweet maple glaze that adds an irresistible combination of flavors. Whether for a game day, tailgate, or a special gathering, these poppers will be the star of the show.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Jalapeno Poppers:

• 14 jalapeno peppers

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar, pepper jack, and smoked gouda)

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• 28 slices thinly sliced bacon

For the Maple Glaze:

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 4 tsp soy sauce

Directions

1. Prep the Jalapenos: Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white ribs.

2. Make the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic, cornstarch (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

3. Stuff the Jalapenos: Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.

4. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a slice of bacon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Smoke the Poppers: Preheat your Traeger to 180°F. Smoke the poppers for 1 hour, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 35-50 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.

6. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup and soy sauce. Baste the tops of the poppers with the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors!

Nutrients (Per Popper)

• Calories: 126 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 28mg

• Sodium: 317mg

• Sugar: 2g

The Jalapenos: A Perfect Vessel for Flavor

Jalapenos are the heart of this dish. Their vibrant green color and spicy kick make them the ideal vessel for stuffing with the delicious cheese mixture. The heat from the jalapenos adds a fun, bold kick that balances perfectly with the creamy filling and crispy bacon. To prepare the jalapenos, slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and white ribs, which contain most of the heat. This helps tone down the spice and makes the poppers more enjoyable for those who prefer a milder flavor.

Once prepared, the jalapenos are ready to be filled with the creamy cheese mixture, which will give them a rich, decadent flavor that contrasts with the spiciness of the pepper.

The Cheese Filling: Creamy, Savory, and Rich

The cheese filling is what gives these poppers their creamy and savory center. The base of the filling is softened cream cheese, which provides a smooth and rich texture. Shredded cheddar cheese is added for a sharp, savory flavor, and a mix of cheddar, pepper jack, and smoked gouda can be used for more complexity and depth. The pepper jack adds a hint of heat that complements the jalapenos, while the smoked gouda brings a deliciously smoky flavor to the filling.

Green onions and minced garlic are added for a burst of freshness and a savory kick, enhancing the richness of the cheese filling. A pinch of salt and pepper ensures the filling is well-seasoned. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture, though this is optional.

The Bacon: Crispy and Savory

Wrapping the cheese-stuffed jalapenos in thin slices of bacon brings a smoky, savory element that elevates the dish. The bacon crisps up beautifully as the poppers cook, adding an irresistible crunch and flavor to the poppers. When wrapped snugly around the stuffed jalapenos, the bacon helps keep the cheese filling inside, while also imparting its delicious smoky flavor to every bite.

Using thinly sliced bacon ensures that the bacon gets crispy during cooking without becoming too thick and chewy. Bacon also adds richness, balancing out the heat from the jalapenos and the creaminess of the cheese filling. It’s the perfect complement to the smoky, spicy poppers.

Smoking the Poppers: Perfectly Tender and Crispy

For this recipe, a Traeger grill (or any smoker) is ideal for cooking the jalapeno poppers. The slow and steady smoking process infuses the poppers with a rich, smoky flavor that takes them to the next level. Preheat your Traeger to 180°F, and smoke the poppers for an hour. This slow smoking process allows the flavors to meld together, giving the bacon time to crisp up without overcooking the cheese filling.

After the initial hour of smoking, increase the temperature of the Traeger to 400°F. This higher heat helps the bacon get perfectly crispy and gives the jalapenos a tender texture. Depending on your grill and the size of the poppers, the cooking time can vary, but it typically takes around 35-50 minutes. You’ll know the poppers are ready when the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The Maple Glaze: Sweet and Savory

To finish the poppers, a maple glaze is brushed over the top during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This glaze is a perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth, with maple syrup providing the natural sweetness and soy sauce adding a hint of umami and saltiness. The glaze soaks into the bacon, caramelizing slightly and giving the poppers a beautiful sheen.

The glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, complementing the smoky bacon and spicy jalapenos. It enhances the overall dish with its sweetness, creating a perfect contrast to the heat and richness of the other ingredients.

Serving the Poppers: An Irresistible Treat

Once the poppers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and serve them immediately. The combination of the crispy bacon, smoky flavor, creamy cheese, and sweet maple glaze is an irresistible treat. You can serve these poppers as a finger food appetizer, perfect for game day, tailgates, or holiday gatherings. They’re easy to eat, packed with flavor, and sure to be a crowd favorite.

For an added touch, you can garnish the poppers with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro, giving them a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese.

Conclusion

Smoked Traeger Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate appetizer, offering the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and savory flavors. The smoky, crispy bacon wrapped around a spicy jalapeno filled with a rich cheese mixture and topped with a sweet maple glaze makes for a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a casual gathering or preparing something special for a celebration, these poppers will steal the show. They are easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and absolutely delicious. So fire up your Traeger grill and treat your guests (or yourself) to these amazing smoked jalapeno poppers!