Description
These homemade armadillo eggs are the perfect combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, savory sausage, and crispy bacon. Whether smoked, baked, grilled, or air-fried, they deliver bold flavors and an irresistible crunch. Perfect for BBQs, game nights, and family gatherings
Ingredients
6 large jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese (1 block)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb ground sausage (pork or beef)
12 strips bacon
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
BBQ sauce (optional for brushing)
Instructions
Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C) or oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking
Wash and cut the jalapeños lengthwise then remove the seeds and membranes
In a bowl mix cream cheese shredded cheddar garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper
Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture
Flatten a handful of sausage and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño ensuring full coverage
Wrap each sausage-covered jalapeño with a strip of bacon securing with toothpicks if needed
For smoking place armadillo eggs on the smoker rack and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
For baking arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes flipping halfway through then broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness
For grilling preheat to 350°F (medium heat) and cook for 30-40 minutes turning occasionally
For air frying preheat to 375°F and cook for 15-20 minutes flipping halfway
Optional Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes for extra flavor
Let them cool slightly before serving and enjoy
Notes
For milder heat soak jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing
To ensure even cooking press the sausage firmly around the jalapeño and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before cooking
Use thinner bacon for better crisping especially if baking
Pair with ranch dip BBQ sauce or sriracha mayo for extra flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (varies by cooking method)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking Baking Grilling Air Frying
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 armadillo egg
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Armadillo eggs recipe bacon-wrapped jalapeños spicy cheese appetizer smoked armadillo eggs