Smokin Jalapeno Poppers Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Cut tops off of jalapenos. Using the end of a spoon or fork, stick down inside and rotate the fork. This will loosen the membranes and seeds. Then dump out the seeds. Do this a couple of times if needed. UPDATED 12/2013: Slice off a piece of pepper longways, stuff, wrap in bacon, and smoke. I find this way easier!
• 2. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and turn the mixer on. Grate 8 oz of cheese then add to cream cheese. Beat for a minute or so.
• 3. Put cheese/cream cheese mixture into jalapeno and push down inside with finger.
• 4. Tear a small piece of bread off. I like using the heal of the bread, and place inside the top of jalapeno. This will help keep the cheese inside the pepper.
• 5. Wrap pepper with bacon, starting by draping one end of bacon over the opening of pepper. Then bring bacon down to the tip of pepper and begin wrapping it back up to the top. Secure with a toothpick.
• 6. Smoke on the smoker at about 200-250° for about 1- 1/2 hr.
• 7. Timing will depend on smoker temp. The best way to tell if they are done, make a couple more than you need to serve and test one out after one hour.

Steps:

• Start the coals or heat a gas grill for medium direct cooking. Make sure the grates are clean.
• Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise but leave the halves connected at the stem. With your finger or a pointed spoon (like a grapefruit spoon), remove the seeds and white ribs from the halves. (Wear rubber gloves, or be careful not to touch your skin after handling the chiles.)
• Put the cream cheese and Gouda in a medium bowl with a little salt; mash until combined. Fill the jalapeño halves evenly with a small spoon and press the halves back together to close. (You can fill and refrigerate the jalapeños up to a day ahead.)
• Put the jalapeños on the grill directly over the fire. Close the lid and cook, carefully turning once, until the peppers have softened and browned (it's okay if they char in spots) and the cheese has melted, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve.
• Variations:
• Honey-Orange Jalapeño Poppers: In Step 3, fill the jalapeños with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups crumbled fresh goat cheese (6 ounces), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, and salt to taste.
• Jalapeño Poppers with Pimento Cheese and Pepper Jelly: In Step 3, fill the jalapeños with with a mixture of 1 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces), 1/4 cup each chopped drained pimentos and mayonnaise, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Serve topped with a dab of pepper jelly.
• Pesto Jalapeño Poppers with Mozzarella: In Step 3, fill the jalapeños with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (6ounces) and 1/4 cup basil pesto. Serve the poppers topped with fresh basil leaves if you like.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Add the cream cheese, smoked Gouda, Cheddar, chives, lime zest, lime juice, salt and pepper to a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
• Divide the cream cheese mixture between the jalapeño halves, pressing to fill all the way to the top edge.
• Wrap a piece of bacon around each stuffed jalapeño so the ends of the bacon lie underneath. Place the wrapped jalapeños, stuffed-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese mixture is just beginning to bubble out from the top and bottom of the jalapeños, 16 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 minutes before serving.