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!)
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
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. |