Smoked Stuffed Chilli Poppers

Ingredients for Smoked Stuffed Chilli Poppers

• 230g cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese, at room temperature

• 60g shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 12 large jalapeño chillies (green, red, or both), cored and seeded

• 1 empty cardboard egg carton, lid removed, or a metal jalapeño popper rack

• 12 pecan halves, toasted (see Note)

• 230g thin-sliced smoked bacon

• 120ml wood chips, soaked in water and drained, or 240ml dry wood chips for a gas grill

How to make Smoked Stuffed Chilli Poppers

1. To make the popper filling, combine the cheeses in a medium-size bowl and stir them together with a fork. Put the cheese mixture in a gallon-size zipper-top plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Squeeze each jalapeño full of the cheese mixture. Place the cheese-filled jalapeños in the egg carton. Push a pecan half into each pepper. Wrap a half strip of bacon around each jalapeño and secure with a toothpick.

2. Fill your charcoal chimney with briquets, set the chimney on the bottom grill grate, and light or prepare a fire in your smoker. For a gas grill, turn half the burners to high.

3. When the coals are ready, dump them into the bottom of your grill, and spread them evenly across half. Scatter the drained wood chips on the hot coals, or put the dry wood chips in a metal container and place closest to a burner on a gas grill. Place the jalapeños on the indirect side of the grill. When the smoke starts to rise, close the lid.

4. Smoke the peppers at 177°C for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the bacon is cooked and the jalapeño have a smoky aroma.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.