Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
These Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect finger food for parties and gatherings! The combination of fresh jalapeno peppers filled with savory pork sausage and wrapped in crispy bacon delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavors. Each bite offers a touch of heat balanced with the rich, smoky taste of bacon. Ideal for grilling, these poppers will impress your guests and become a hot favorite at your next cookout!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh jalapeno peppers
24 (washed, stems removed)
bulk pork sausage
12 ounces (cooked until browned)
bacon
12 (sliced and halved)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the fresh jalapeno peppers thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems from each pepper carefully.
2
Using a sharp knife, cut a slit lengthwise down one side of each jalapeno, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
3
Gently remove the seeds from the inside of the peppers. To reduce heat, rinse the insides of the peppers under cold water to wash away any remaining seeds, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
4
In a large skillet, heat the bulk pork sausage over medium heat. Cook the sausage until it's browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
5
Carefully stuff each jalapeno pepper with the cooked pork sausage using a teaspoon or your fingers, ensuring they are filled generously.
6
Take a bacon strip and cut it in half, then wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half strip of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place.
7
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the wrapped jalapenos on the grill grate, making sure they are evenly spaced.
8
Grill the jalapeno poppers uncovered for about 15 minutes, turning them frequently until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers?
They are a savory and spicy appetizer featuring fresh jalapeno peppers stuffed with pork sausage and wrapped in crispy bacon.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires only three main ingredients: fresh jalapeno peppers, bulk pork sausage, and bacon.
How many jalapeno peppers do I need?
You will need 24 fresh jalapeno peppers for this recipe.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of bulk pork sausage.
How do I prepare the jalapeno peppers?
Wash them, remove the stems, and cut a lengthwise slit down one side to create a pocket for the filling.
How can I make the poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove all seeds and rinse the inside of the peppers under cold water before stuffing.
Should the sausage be cooked before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, the bulk pork sausage should be cooked in a skillet until browned and no longer pink before being added to the peppers.
How much bacon is needed for this recipe?
You will need 12 strips of bacon, which are then cut in half to wrap 24 poppers.
How do I secure the bacon on the jalapeno?
Use a toothpick to hold the bacon strip in place around the stuffed pepper.
What is the best way to cook these poppers?
This recipe is designed for the grill to give the poppers a smoky, crispy finish.
At what temperature should the grill be set?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How long do the jalapeno poppers take to grill?
They take approximately 15 minutes on the grill.
Do I need to cover the grill while cooking?
No, the poppers should be grilled uncovered.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
The poppers are ready when the bacon is crispy and the jalapeno peppers have become tender.
How often should I turn the poppers on the grill?
Turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the bacon from burning.
Can I use a teaspoon to stuff the peppers?
Yes, a teaspoon or your fingers can be used to generously fill each pepper with the cooked sausage.
Should I drain the grease from the sausage?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess grease after browning the sausage.
What should I do after rinsing the peppers?
Pat the peppers dry with a paper towel before stuffing them.
Are these poppers suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as the perfect finger food for parties, gatherings, and cookouts.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a combination of heat from the jalapenos, savory flavor from the pork, and a rich, smoky taste from the bacon.
Can I make these if I don't have a grill?
While the recipe specifies grilling, they can likely be adapted for oven baking at a high temperature.
How many poppers does one batch make?
One batch makes 24 individual jalapeno poppers.
Should the bacon be thick or thin cut?
The recipe calls for standard bacon strips that are halved for easier wrapping.
Do I need to peel the peppers?
No, the peppers should be left unpeeled to hold their shape during grilling.
Is there any cheese in this specific recipe?
No, this version uses bulk pork sausage as the primary filling rather than cheese.
How do I avoid cutting all the way through the pepper?
Be careful to only cut a slit on one side to create a pocket rather than two separate halves.
Can I prepare the sausage in advance?
Yes, you can brown the sausage ahead of time and store it until you are ready to assemble the poppers.
What type of pork sausage is best?
Bulk pork sausage works best as it is easy to crumble and stuff into the peppers.
How should I space the poppers on the grill?
Ensure they are evenly spaced on the grill grate to allow for consistent airflow and cooking.
What is the main advantage of grilling these?
Grilling provides a smoky flavor and helps render the bacon fat for a crispier texture.