Football Food: Flavorful Variations of Jalapeño Poppers for the Grill or Smoker

Jalapeño poppers are a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or gathering. Their combination of spicy, creamy, and smoky flavors makes them an irresistible appetizer. By incorporating Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend and Country Cajun seasoning, along with unique fillings like boudin, you can elevate this classic dish to new heights. Here are some delicious variations to try on your grill or smoker:

1. Classic Cream Cheese and Bacon Poppers with Beasley’s Twist

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend.

• Instructions: Halve and deseed the jalapeños. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a generous sprinkle of Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend. Fill the jalapeño halves with the mixture. Wrap each with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Grill or smoke until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.

2. Boudin Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, boudin sausage, cream cheese, Beasley’s Country Cajun seasoning.

• Instructions: Remove the casing from the boudin sausage and mix with cream cheese and a sprinkle of Beasley’s Country Cajun seasoning. Fill the jalapeño halves with the boudin mixture. Grill or smoke until the jalapeños are tender and the filling is hot.

3. Cheddar and Sausage Poppers with Beasley’s Seasoning

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend.

• Instructions: Mix cooked sausage with shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend. Fill the jalapeño halves with the mixture. Grill or smoke until the jalapeños are tender and the filling is bubbly.

4. Buffalo Chicken Poppers with a Smoky Kick

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, blue cheese crumbles, Beasley’s Country Cajun seasoning.

• Instructions: Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of Beasley’s Country Cajun seasoning. Fill the jalapeños and top with blue cheese crumbles. Grill or smoke until the filling is hot and the jalapeños are soft.

5. Vegetarian Black Bean and Corn Jalapeño Poppers

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, black beans, corn, cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend.

• Instructions: Mix black beans, corn, cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, and Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend. Fill the jalapeños and grill or smoke until the cheese is melted and the jalapeños are cooked through.

6. BBQ Pulled Pork Poppers

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend.

• Instructions: Combine pulled pork with BBQ sauce, cream cheese, and Beasley’s Smokehouse Rub Secret Blend. Fill the jalapeños and grill or smoke until the filling is hot and the jalapeños are tender.

7. Pimento Cheese Poppers

• Ingredients: Jalapeños, pimento cheese spread, bacon, Beasley’s Country Cajun seasoning.

• Instructions: Fill the jalapeños with pimento cheese spread and a sprinkle of

• seasoning. Wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Grill or smoke until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Tips for Perfect Poppers

• Choose Fresh Jalapeños: Look for firm, bright green jalapeños without blemishes.

• Control the Heat: Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder popper, or leave some in for extra heat.

• Use Toothpicks: Secure bacon or other toppings with toothpicks to keep everything in place.

• Indirect Heat: Cook over indirect heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

  
  

Conclusion

Experimenting with different fillings and seasonings can transform a simple jalapeño popper into a gourmet delight. Whether you prefer the classic combination of cream cheese and bacon or want to try something new like boudin or buffalo chicken, there’s a jalapeño popper variation for everyone. Fire up your grill or smoker, sprinkle on some Beasley’s seasonings, and enjoy these mouthwatering appetizers at your next cookout!