Jalapeño Poppers are one of our family’s favorite appetizers and are always a popular option to bring to a party or barbecue! Whether you want the traditional popper or something a little different, we have all the recipes here for you in one convenient spot!
Jalapeño Popper Recipes
Fire up that grill or preheat your oven, today we’re going to turn up the heat in more ways than one!
What is a jalapeño popper?
A jalapeño popper is a type of appetizer made by hollowing out jalapeño peppers, stuffing them with various fillings such as cheese, meat, or other ingredients, and then cooking them. They can be baked, fried, or grilled, often with a breaded or bacon-wrapped exterior.
Where did jalapeño poppers originate?
Jalapeño poppers are believed to have originated in the United States, likely inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, which blends Mexican and American flavors. The exact origin is unclear, but they became popular in the late 20th century as part of the growing popularity of spicy foods and appetizers.
Helpful Equipment
- Jalapeño Corer: A specialized tool to easily remove seeds and membranes.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from the spicy oils of the jalapeños.
- Baking Sheet and Rack: For baking poppers evenly and preventing sogginess.
- Tongs: For handling hot jalapeños safely.
Tips for Success
- Use Gloves
Jalapeños can be quite spicy, and the oils can cause your fingers to burn and anything you touch with your fingers. Be careful! - Grease Your Rack
The bacon will stick and you’ll be sad about it if you don’t give your baking rack a good healthy spray of cooking spray. You can also cook these on some non-stick foil as well, if you want easier clean-up.
Jalapeño Popper Recipes
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
Our classic Jalapeño Poppers hit the pellet grill for some smoke and to crisp up that bacon. These are a no-fail hit every single time.
Smoked Hog-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Smoked Hog-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
We used wild hog as the protein in the filling of these poppers, but if you don’t have access to that you can always use ground pork instead. It’ll be delicious! We loved these for a great change-up to traditional poppers.
Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Did you even know there was such a thing as beef bacon? There is, and it is incredible! Give it a try sometime, and while you’re at it, make a batch of these poppers, too.
Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers
Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers
Classic cheesesteak flavor is packed into this fun twist on jalapeno poppers! Dice up that steak and get stuffing. Your friends and family are going to LOVE these poppers!
Spicy Chorizo Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy Chorizo Jalapeño Poppers
If you love the heat, you’re going to love these poppers. We stuffed them with cheese, chorizo, and homemade Spanish rice. You can make a meal out of these, but they are just as good as an appetizer or a passable party appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
You get all the flavor of buffalo chicken wings plus traditional jalapeno poppers for this fun appetizer! Don’t skip the bleu cheese sauce on top!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.