Imagine a bite-sized explosion of flavor that combines the smoky richness of pulled pork, the creamy decadence of melted cheese, and the fiery kick of jalapenos - all in one irresistible appetizer! These Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers are not just a snack; they're a culinary adventure that will transform your next gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a summer barbecue, or just craving something spectacularly delicious, these poppers are guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jalapenos
- 1 cup cooked pulled pork
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your jalapeno poppers cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
- Prepare the jalapenos by slicing them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or a jalapeno corer to remove the seeds and membranes. Be cautious, as the seeds can be quite spicy. For less heat, make sure to remove as much of the membrane as possible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pulled pork, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeno half with the cheesy pulled pork mixture. Make sure to generously fill each one, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.
- Place the filled jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the jalapeno poppers in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once cooked, remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent burns from the hot filling.
- Serve the Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers warm, optionally garnished with additional BBQ sauce or fresh herbs, such as chopped cilantro or green onions, for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation from the capsaicin.
- For a milder version, soak the jalapeno halves in cold water for 30 minutes before filling to reduce heat.
- Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off for neater, more even filling.
- Choose fresh, firm jalapenos without blemishes for the best texture and appearance.
- If you prefer extra crispy poppers, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Leftover poppers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispness.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces to create unique flavor profiles.
- For a low-carb option, you can serve these as a keto-friendly appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
