Spicy summer jalapeños stuffed with creamy, tangy goat cheese, sweet dates, wrapped in salty bacon and smoked to finger licking perfection. When fall comes, I bust the smoker out. I love making everything from smoked chicken to smoked baked beans and almost everytime, I make some version of a smoked jalapeño popper. I am obsessed with this flavor combination with all the smoky, salty, sweet and spicy-ness going on in every bite. Make these for your next weekend meal, as a show stopping appetizer, or for game day with your friends, I promise they will be gone in the blink of an eye!

Why Jalapeño Peppers are So Good for You!

Jalapeños are a spicy pepper found in the nightshade family and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. The vitamins found in these little beauties are C, B6, B9 (folate) K and A!

The type of K vitamin found primarily in plants, like jalapeños, is vitamin K1. This differs from vitamin K2 in the roles that it plays in our bodies, but is essential none the less. When eaten, vitamin K1 is converted into K2 by the bacteria found in our gut (healthy gut=healthy you.)

Vitamin K2 is primarily found in animal and fermented foods and is a necessary nutrient in bone and heart health [1]. Both vitamins K1 and K2 are fat soluble vitamins, which means they are not absorbed into our bodies the same way water soluble vitamins are. The absorption of these fat soluble vitamins is increased when you consume them with healthy dietary fats like avocados and animal fats.

Jalapeños also contain the trace mineral manganese (Mn). Manganese is an essential mineral that plays many roles in our bodies from supporting healthy nerve and brain function, to blood sugar regulation, and the metabolism of the fats and carbohydrates we consume.

Seasoned with Paleo Powder Pink or my own BBQ rub spice blend, you can be sure that your poppers will taste absolutely amazing without any of the added sugars and additives you find in so many other barbecue spice rubs. It’s crazy to me when I read the ingredient label on so many of these barbecue rubs and the first ingredient is sugar, which we know to be inflammatory and contain little to no nutritional value. Although the goat cheese in these is not Paleo or Whole30 friendly, I always strive to make sure there is as little refined sugar in my food as possible. Serve them with your favorite Paleo Barbecue Sauce to step it up a notch and your family will be asking for these on repeat!

Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers Ingredients

12 Jalapeño Peppers, halved and de-seeded
10 oz Goat Cheese*, cut into 12 slices
12 Medjool Dates, Halved and pitted
12 Slices No Sugar Added Bacon
1 Tbsp Paleo Pink Powder

*Omit for Keto Poppers

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FAQs

Q: Is there a way to smoke jalapeño poppers without a smoker?
A: Yes, you can make a smoking packet with wood chips and foil that will release smoke into the grill as your poppers cook.

Q: How long will goat cheese jalapeño poppers keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, enjoy within 2-3 days.

Q: Does the goat cheese hold together well after being smoked?
A: Yes, it’s quite lovely! Nice and creamy and the perfect tangy balance with the sweet dates!

Q: Can I make jalapeño poppers in the Air Fryer?
A: Yes! Set the temperature to 350 and cook for about 12-14 minutes.

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