It’s summer in Minnesota…the time when people venture out of their homes where they’ve been hibernating for the last six months. The neighborhood goes from a gray ghost town to a colorful, vibrant array of life. The sounds of children and families enjoying the outdoors drifts through yards and down the streets.
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Our block throws a little party as a way of celebrating summer and reacquainting ourselves with our long lost neighbors. Along with great stories and abundant laughter, we share a potluck meal together. Nothing brings people together like good food! A potluck is my ABSOLUTE favorite kind of meal. I’m that girl who wants to order one of everything on the menu when I go out to eat! Obviously, I can’t really do that which is why I love potlucks so much…I get to have a little bit of everything! (And let’s be honest, go back for seconds on the things I really loved!)
We purchased a combo gas / charcoal / smoker style grill a couple of years ago. I’ve mastered the gas and charcoal grill features but I continue to experiment with the smoker. For me, trying to regulate the temperature has been a bit of a challenge! My contribution to the neighborhood party was another experiment on the smoker and it turned out to be a raging success! I bring you…Lil’ Smokie stuffed jalapeños! These little treats practically disappeared before I even set the plate down at the party! (It could have something to do with the fact that the neighborhood smelled like smoker heaven for several hours!)
Project Real Mom: Lil’ Smokie Stuffed Jalapeños…the best appetizer you’ll ever make on the grill!
I’ve made these on both the gas and charcoal grill and they are really good that way too! I prefer to have a little bit of that “smokey” flavor. But when you’re in a time crunch, the regular grill works great too (just add a few wood chips that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes to get that smokey flavor)!
If I were you, I’d make a double batch because they won’t last long! The guys at the party will bow down to your grilling prowess! Enjoy!
Smokie Stuffed Jalapeños
Print recipe | Serves | 8-12 |
| Prep time | 20 minutes |
| Cook time | 30 minutes |
| Total time | 50 minutes |
| Allergy | Dairy |
| Meal type | Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack |
| Misc | Serve Hot |
| Occasion | Barbecue, Casual Party |
| By author | Project Real Mom |
Ingredients
- 12 Jalapeño Peppers
- 12 Slices Bacon
- 8oz Cream Cheese or Neufchatel Cheese
- 1 Package Lil' Smokie Cocktail Wieners
- 1/2 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (dry mix)
- 24 Toothpicks (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Note
1. It's a good idea to use latex gloves when handling and removing seeds from jalapeños.
2. A smoker or charcoal grill adds a wonderful smokey flavor to these jalapeños and is the preferred method of cooking. However, they can be made on a gas grill or in the oven.
Directions
| Step 1 | |
| Preheat gas / charcoal grill or oven. If using an oven, preheat to 375 degrees. | |
| Step 2 | |
| Cut tops off of jalapeño peppers. Cut in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membrane. Set aside. | |
| Step 3 | |
| Add 1/2 packet of ranch dressing mix to cream cheese. Mix well. | |
| Step 4 | |
| Fill each half of jalapeño pepper with seasoned cream cheese. | |
| Step 5 | |
| Place a lil' smokie on top of the cream cheese. | |
| Step 6 | |
| Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each piece of bacon around stuffed jalapeño pepper and secure with a toothpick. | |
| Step 7 | |
| Place wrapped peppers on grill rack (or non-stick pan if using oven method). Grill for 20-30 minutes until jalapeños are soft, cheese is bubbly and bacon is crispy. | |
