Prepare to embark on a flavor journey with these Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños! Bursting with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and smokiness, these crowd-pleasing bites will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Discover the story behind every bite as we guide you through this easy-to-master recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños are the ultimate flavor sensation that will elevate your next backyard bash or game-day gathering. Imagine the irresistible combination of juicy, crispy bacon, the smoky-sweet barbecue glaze, and the subtle heat from the jalapeños – it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. With just a few simple steps, you can create a showstopping appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy their cravings.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of easily accessible ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors. You’ll need fresh jalapeños, smoky bacon, a savory-sweet barbecue sauce, and a few seasonings to bring it all together.
- 12 – fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 12 slices – thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup – your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon – smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon – honey (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peppers: Serrano or habanero peppers for a spicier kick (adjust heat to your preference)
- Bacon: Applewood-smoked or peppered bacon for added flavor
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
Embark on a flavorful adventure with these Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños. Follow these simple steps for mouthwatering results.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by carefully slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. Wrap each jalapeño half with a strip of bacon, overlapping the ends to secure it in place.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature, around 400°F. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet or grill grates, being sure to leave a little space between each one. Brush the tops generously with your favorite barbecue sauce, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grill or bake the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender, basting with more barbecue sauce as needed. Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños with a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey just before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Profiles: Swap the barbecue sauce for a zesty chimichurri or a creamy ranch dressing.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Presentation: Arrange the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños on a platter and serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
- Spice Level: Use milder bell peppers for a less spicy version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, blue cheese, or additional barbecue sauce.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños is a delightful balance of protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of heat. Packed with antioxidants from the jalapeños and a touch of sweetness from the barbecue sauce, this recipe is a wholesome and satisfying treat.
- Serving Size: 2 jalapeño halves
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I adjust the heat level of the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños?
To control the heat, make sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before wrapping them in bacon. You can also use a milder pepper, such as a bell pepper, for a less spicy version.
Can I make these Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños in advance?
While these bites are best served hot and fresh, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped jalapeños ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just be sure to give them a quick baste of barbecue sauce before popping them in the oven or on the grill.
What’s the best way to ensure the bacon gets crispy?
To achieve that irresistible crispy bacon, make sure to use a high-heat cooking method, such as grilling or broiling. You can also bake the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow the excess fat to drip away, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of the barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! While the barbecue sauce provides a delightful smoky-sweet flavor, you can certainly try other cheese options, such as cheddar, cream cheese, or even a sprinkling of feta or blue cheese.
How do I know when the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños are done?
The key signs to look for are crispy, golden-brown bacon and tender, slightly charred jalapeños. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the jalapeños have reached the desired level of doneness, around 135°F to 145°F.
Try These Next
- smoky bbq bacon wrapped meatloaf
- smoky bbq bacon wrapped chicken skewers
- bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with smoky cheese dip
Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños are the perfect combination of spicy and savory. The smokiness of the barbecue sauce complements the heat of the jalapeños, while the crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch. Perfect for any BBQ or game day gathering!
Ingredients
12 large jalapeños
8 slices of bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. 2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. 3. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. 4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. 5. Wrap each filled jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
6. 6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
7. 7. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños.
You can also use different types of cheese for a variation in flavor.
These can be made ahead of time and frozen before grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: jalapeños, bacon, BBQ, appetizer