Have you ever bitten into something so smoky, cheesy, and packed with flavor that you immediately needed another? Traeger poppers are exactly that—an irresistible combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of heat, all kissed with that signature wood-fired flavor.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for game day, hosting friends, or craving a savory snack, these poppers are guaranteed to steal the show. One bite, and they’ll become a staple in your backyard barbecue lineup!
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Traeger Poppers
You will love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy – all wrapped in crispy bacon. The Traeger grill infuses a rich, wood-fired flavor that takes these poppers to the next level. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion!
What You Need
Jalapeño Peppers: Jalapeños bring a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Choose firm, bright green peppers with a smooth, waxy surface for the best texture and taste.
Cream Cheese
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy, our cheddar adds a robust flavor punch.
Bacon: The ultimate flavor enhancer. We’re using crispy, thick-cut bacon that adds a smoky, salty crunch. Each slice brings a rich, meaty depth that elevates the entire appetizer from good to unforgettable.
Green Onions, Finely Chopped
Garlic, Minced
Salt
Black Pepper
Everything Bagel Seasoning
How to Make Traeger Jalapeño Poppers
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Begin by donning a pair of protective gloves – this is crucial to prevent the spicy jalapeño oils from irritating your skin. Carefully slice each pepper lengthwise, creating perfect boats.
Use a small spoon to remove the seeds and white membranes, which carry most of the pepper’s heat. Rinse the peppers and pat them completely dry, ensuring the filling will adhere perfectly.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar. Crumble in the crispy bacon, finely chop the green onions, and mince the garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The filling should be creamy, with bits of bacon providing textural contrast.
Step 3: Stuff and Wrap
Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, creating small mounds that peek above the pepper’s edges. Carefully wrap each stuffed pepper with a thin slice of bacon, securing the filling and adding an extra layer of flavor. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top for a final touch of complexity.
Step 4: Smoke and Grill
Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F, setting the stage for low and slow smoking. Line a grill-safe baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the poppers carefully, then let them smoke for 1-1.5 hours.
Step 5: Crisp and Finish
Increase the grill temperature to 375°F for the final cooking stage. This helps crisp up the bacon and create a golden, bubbling top on the cheese filling. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching carefully to achieve the perfect level of crispiness.
Ingredient Variations
Cheese Alternatives
- Use pepper jack for extra heat
- Try a blend of goat cheese and cream cheese for tanginess
- Swap in smoked gouda for an intensified smoky flavor
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and crispy mushroom bits
- Low-Carb Option: Use turkey bacon and full-fat cream cheese
- Spice Lovers: Leave some seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling
How to Store Leftovers and Reheat
Storage
Store leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the bacon crisp.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore the crispy bacon and melty cheese without making the peppers soggy. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the texture rubbery and diminish the smoky flavor.
Pro Tips
- Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers
- Choose uniform-sized jalapeños for consistent cooking
- Prep can be done ahead of time and refrigerated before grilling
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience
More Appetizers
Are you looking for some apps to serve with these poppers? Here are some of my favorites
Keto Onion Bombs
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Traeger Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 12 whole large jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cooked bacon crumbled
- 2 whole green onions finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning
- 12 pieces thin slices of bacon for wrapping
Instructions
- Put on gloves to protect your hands. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, then carefully remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon. Rinse the jalapeño halves and pat them dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then spoon the mixture into each jalapeño half.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a thin slice of bacon and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top.
- Preheat the Traeger grill to a low temperature and line a grill-safe baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the jalapeño poppers on the prepared baking sheet and smoke for about one to one and a half hours, until the bacon is crisp and the peppers are tender.
- Increase the grill temperature to a higher setting and cook for an additional ten to fifteen minutes, until the bacon is fully crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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