Are you a fan of spicy, smoky flavors? Then you’re in for a treat with homemade Smoked Jalapenos! These fiery peppers transform into tender, flavor-packed bites on the smoker, promising to be devoured as quickly as they’re pulled off. Whether you’re seeking an exciting appetizer, a vibrant side dish, or a zesty topping, these smoked beauties are incredibly versatile and utterly irresistible.
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Smoked Jalapenos stand out as a truly perfect item for smoking. They are budget-friendly, inherently spicy, and readily absorb that exquisite smoky essence. Infused with flavor, I make it a point to add fresh jalapenos to my Traeger almost every time we fire it up – they are simply that good! Moreover, since jalapenos are a vegetable, they won’t add unnecessary fat or calories to your meal, making them an ideal choice if you’re mindful of your dietary intake.
I’ve experimented with smoking jalapenos at various temperatures, from a higher heat (around 350°F / 175°C) for a quicker cook to a low-and-slow approach (around 225°F / 107°C) for maximum smoke penetration, and they consistently turn out perfectly. If your goal is to achieve an intense smoke flavor, the low-and-slow method is definitely the way to go. However, if you’re simply looking to add a delightful, zesty side dish to an existing grilling session, you can easily pop the jalapenos on at almost any temperature your smoker is already set to.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Smoked Jalapenos
Once you try smoked jalapenos, you’ll understand why they become a staple for many outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Here’s what makes them so special:
- **Explosion of Flavor:** They are wonderfully spicy, deeply smoky, and incredibly delicious – a flavor combination that’s hard to beat!
- **Space-Saving Snack:** Jalapenos take up minimal room on your smoker grates, making them an excellent addition to any cookout, even when you’re smoking other larger items.
- **Flexible Cooking:** You can smoke them at nearly any temperature, offering great flexibility depending on your schedule and desired smoke intensity.
- **Healthy & Nutritious:** As a vegetable, jalapenos add fantastic flavor without piling on extra calories or unhealthy fats.
- **Easy Preparation:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these peppers are ready to hit the grates in minutes.
For an even more pronounced smokiness, consider adding a smoke tube to your pellet grill, or opt for a traditional wood-fueled smoker to infuse them with rich, authentic wood smoke. The choice of wood pellets or chips (hickory, pecan, apple, or cherry all work wonderfully) can further customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Smoked Jalapenos
This recipe calls for a minimal number of ingredients, allowing the natural flavor of the jalapenos and the smoky essence to truly shine.
- Fresh Jalapenos – Look for firm, vibrant green jalapenos with a smooth skin. Avoid any that are soft, shriveled, or discolored. The fresher, the better for optimal texture and flavor.
- Neutral Oil – A light, neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil works best. This helps the seasonings adhere to the peppers and prevents them from drying out during the smoking process.
- Salt and Pepper – Coarse salt (like kosher salt) and freshly ground black pepper are classic choices that enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of your favorite BBQ rub for an extra layer of flavor.
Mastering the Art of Smoking Jalapenos: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a detailed list of ingredients with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the recipe card located further down this page.
- Prepare Your Smoker: Begin by firing up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set the temperature to 250°F (120°C). While a Traeger pellet smoker is my go-to, any smoker that provides indirect heat will yield fantastic results. Allow your smoker to preheat thoroughly to ensure a stable cooking environment.
- Clean and Prep Jalapenos: Wash the fresh jalapenos thoroughly under cool running water and then pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for seasonings to stick properly. You can smoke them whole, or if you prefer less heat or want to stuff them, you can slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Coat with Oil: In a medium bowl, gently toss the prepared jalapenos with the neutral oil until each pepper is lightly and evenly coated. The oil acts as a binder for the seasonings and helps create a tender, slightly blistered exterior.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the oil-coated jalapenos with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure an even coating. This simple seasoning enhances the pepper’s natural zest and complements the smoky flavor beautifully.
- Load the Smoker: Carefully arrange the seasoned jalapenos directly on the smoker grates. Ensure there’s a little space between each pepper for optimal smoke circulation. Close the smoker lid promptly to maintain the desired temperature and smoke.
- Smoke to Perfection: Allow the jalapenos to smoke for approximately an hour. The cooking time can vary based on the size of your peppers and your smoker’s consistency. They are ready when they are visibly softened, slightly wrinkled, and have a beautiful smoky aroma. They should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Savor: Once tender and smoky, carefully remove the jalapenos from the smoker. Let them cool slightly before serving. The internal heat will be intense, so a brief cooling period ensures they are enjoyable to eat. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible burst of flavor!
Other Smoker Favorites You Might Love
If you enjoy the smoky goodness of these jalapenos, here are a few other excellent recipes to try on your smoker:
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Smoked Jalapenos
Elevate your smoked jalapeno game with these invaluable tips from Chef Jenn:
- **Portioning:** When planning your meal, I typically recommend 1-2 smoked jalapenos per person if serving as a side dish. For an appetizer or snack, guests tend to enjoy 3-4 per person. Adjust according to your group’s love for heat!
- **Managing Heat:** The smoking process inherently mellows the heat of jalapenos slightly. However, if you or your guests prefer a milder experience, you can easily remove the seeds and internal membranes before smoking. This is where most of the capsaicin (the compound responsible for the heat) resides. Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- **Avoid Over-Smoking:** While a good smoky flavor is desired, over-smoking jalapenos can lead to them drying out and becoming tough or overly bitter. Aim for a tender, yielding texture with a pleasant smoky aroma, not a desiccated husk. An hour at 250°F is usually perfect for whole jalapenos.
- **Even Cooking:** For consistent results, try to choose jalapenos of similar size. This ensures they cook evenly and are all ready at the same time. Rotate them halfway through the cooking time if your smoker has hot spots.
- **Consider Stuffing:** For an extra indulgent treat, carefully halve the jalapenos lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and fill them with cream cheese mixed with a little shredded cheddar cheese and perhaps some bacon bits. These “jalapeno poppers” are a crowd-pleaser!
- **Resting Period:** Allow the smoked jalapenos to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the smoker. This allows their internal temperature to equalize and prevents them from being too hot to handle immediately.
Delectable Dips & Pairings for Smoked Jalapenos
Wondering how to best enjoy your smoky jalapenos? While they are undoubtedly delicious on their own, pairing them with a cool, creamy dip can create a fantastic contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. I particularly love them with:
- A refreshing and creamy jalapeno dip, which echoes the pepper’s flavor while providing a cooling counterpoint.
- For an extra layer of bold flavor, consider a rich bourbon BBQ sauce, offering sweetness and tanginess.
- Or, elevate the experience with an easy spicy garlic aioli, adding a gourmet touch.
Beyond dips, their versatility shines through. Smoked jalapenos are also excellent on sandwiches, pizzas, and finely chopped into salsa, adding a unique smoky kick.
Make It a Full Meal: Serving Suggestions
Smoked Jalapenos are incredibly adaptable and can complement a wide array of dishes. Here are some ideas to incorporate them into your next gathering or family meal:
- Snack & Appetizer: They are phenomenal as a standalone snack, perfect for tailgating events, game days, or casual get-togethers. I often serve them alongside other tasty appetizers when entertaining guests.
- Versatile Side Dish: These peppers make a fantastic and flavorful side dish or accompaniment to main courses such as succulent smoked steaks, tender smoked pork tenderloin, and rich pork belly burnt ends. Their bold flavor cuts through richness and adds a welcome zest.
- Creative Toppings: Finely chop them and use as a topping for tacos, nachos, chili, or even scrambled eggs. They add a depth of flavor that elevates any dish.
- Salad Booster: Add thinly sliced smoked jalapenos to your favorite salads for an unexpected kick and smoky dimension.
Smoked Jalapenos Vs. Chipotles: Understanding the Difference
While both are derived from the same pepper, there’s a key distinction between smoked jalapenos and chipotles. Chipotles are specifically made from **ripened jalapenos** (which have turned red) that are then smoked and subsequently dried. This drying process concentrates their flavor and gives them their characteristic smoky-sweet, earthy profile. In contrast, the smoked jalapenos in this recipe are made from **fresh, green jalapenos** that are smoked until tender but are **not dried**. This results in a fresher, brighter, and juicier texture with a direct smoky flavor that still retains the vibrant pepper characteristics.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To enjoy your delicious smoked jalapenos beyond the first serving, proper storage is key. Package any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Beyond this period, they tend to become slimy and lose their desirable texture. For longer storage, you can freeze smoked jalapenos. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave, oven, or even back on the smoker until heated through. Avoid over-reheating, as this can make them mushy.
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Rating: 4.60 from 5 votes
Smoked Jalapenos
Smoky and spicy, Smoked Jalapenos are the perfect snack or side dish! Add instant flavor to any meal with these smoked chilis, just pop them onto your smoker and they’re ready in no time!
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili peppers, jalapenos, pellet smoker, smoked, smoked jalapenos, smoker, smoker appetizers, smoker recipes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 39 kcal
Author: Chef Jenn
Equipment
- Traeger pellet grill or any other smoker
- Pellets any kind
Ingredients
- 8 jalapenos whole
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Fire up your smoker as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Set it to 250°F (120°C). I use a Traeger smoker, but any smoker with indirect heat will work.
- Wash and dry the jalapenos thoroughly.
- Toss the jalapenos with the oil until they’re lightly coated.
- Season the jalapenos generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the seasoned jalapenos to the smoker grates and close the lid.
- Smoke for about an hour until they are soft and tender.
- Cool slightly before eating, and enjoy your perfectly smoked jalapenos!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- How many smoked jalapenos per person? I count on 1-2 jalapenos as a side dish, or 3-4 as an appetizer or snack.
- The smoking takes a bit of the heat out of the jalapenos, but you can encourage guests to remove the seeds if they don’t like them too smoky.
- Don’t over smoke the jalapenos – they can dry out!
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
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