Prep Time:  10 mins
Cook Time:  60 mins
Total Time:  70 mins
Servings:  6

Talk about a show-stopping appetizer for the big game, or whenever you’re hosting friends. These bacon-wrapped sausage poppers from Brad Prose explode with flavor from smoke, creamy pimento cheese, and spicy jalapenos. Prep them ahead of time and throw them in your smoker right before your friends show. Watch the fights ensue as everyone clamors for their share. Good luck and enjoy!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Poppers

  • 6 full-length sausages, with casing
  • 1 ½ cups Pimento Cheese (or cream cheese)
  • 3 Tbsp pork rub
  • 1 sliced jalapeno
  • 12 strips of bacon

Ingredients for Pimento Cheese
(makes enough for 2 servings)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp ground mustard
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp white sugar
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated on large holes
  • 4 oz jarred pimentos, drained

Items You'll Need

Instructions

Instructions for Sausage Poppers

  1. Using a sharp knife, slice into the casing on one side of the sausage and open it up with your hands. Push the meat to the sides so it creates a little boat for the filling.
  2. Fill each of the sausages with some pimento cheese, just enough to fill the void. Add slices of jalapenos. Carefully wrap 2 pieces of bacon over each sausage. Tip: It helps to overlap the bacon when adding the second piece. Use toothpicks if you need to.
  3. Season all sides generously with the pork rub.
    4. Sliced open sausage being stuffed with cheese
  4. Preheat your grill or smoker for indirect cooking at 350°F.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped poppers on the grill, away from the direct coals. Add wood chunks or chips if using a charcoal grill.
  6. Cook them for 45-60 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
  7. Slice and serve immediately!
    8. Finished and sliced Bacon-Wrapped, Cheese-Stuffed Sausage Poppers