Last Updated on May 12, 2026 by Carne Diem
Origin: North America, American
Method: Smoker or Oven
Jump to RecipeWe know a thing or two about good BBQ and great snacks. And let me tell you, when you combine the smoky, spicy kick of a hot link with creamy cheese and crispy bacon, you've got a winning combination that will be the star of any gathering. Forget the same old appetizers; this hot link stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeño recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Table of contents
The Ultimate Game Day Snack: Hot Link Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños!
This isn't just any jalapeño popper. We're taking things up a notch by stuffing a juicy, flavorful, diced hot links (think of it as an upgraded, spicy hot dog) right into the jalapeño. Then, we wrap the whole delicious package in premium thick-cut bacon, giving you an explosion of spicy flavors, savory meat, and a satisfying crunch in every single bite. This is truly an original recipe that stands out.
Check out our collection of the best game day and tailgating foods: Best Game Day Recipes for Your Tailgate or Watch Party
Whether you're hosting a game day party, firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ, or just looking for an incredible snack to make the whole family happy, these bacon-wrapped jalapeños are guaranteed to be a hit. They're surprisingly easy to make and disappear from serving trays fast.
Making the Hot Link Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
Making the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers only requires a few ingredients. It also allows for some great customization using your favorite BBQ sauce and sausages.
Ingredients: Here is what you will need
Ingredients:
- 8-12 large jalapeños
- ½-pound hot links (about 2-3 links, depending on size)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 pounds premium bacon, about 16-24 slices. You will need 1 slice of bacon per jalapeno half, so you may need more than 1.5 pounds if you are using thick cut bacon.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon of your favorite BBQ rub for added flavor
Give some of our sausage and other encased meat recipes a try:
- Grilled Sonoran Hot Dogs
- Chicken and Smoked Sausage Jambalaya
- Ricotta and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
- Crispy Fried Sausage Wontons
- Choripán: Argentinian Grilled Chorizo Sandwich
- Korean Corn Dogs: Gamja Dog
- Homemade Sage Breakfast Sausage with Fresh Herbs
- Grilled Cevapi: Balkan Style Sausages
- Grilled German Knockwurst with Seasoned Braised Onions
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Hot Links: Grill or pan-fry the hot links according to package directions until fully cooked. Let them cool slightly, then dice the hot links.
Prepare the Jalapeños: Carefully slice each large jalapeño in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scrape out the seeds and membranes. For less heat, make sure to remove all the white membrane.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, BBQ sauce and optional BBQ rub. Mix until well combined. Next, stir in the diced hot links.
Stuff the Jalapeños: Take each jalapeño half and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture inside.
Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of premium thick-cut bacon and carefully wrap it around the stuffed jalapeño. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly to hold everything in.
Bake, Smoke or Grill the Hot Link Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers:
Baking Method: Preheat oven (or smoker) to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. You may need to rotate them halfway through for even cooking.
Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the jalapeños on indirect heat if possible. Grill for 25-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. These are fantastic hot, but also delicious at room temperature. Watch them disappear!
These are truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any family style gathering or just a craving for something incredibly satisfying. You might want to make a double batch because they really do go fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can stuff and wrap the jalapenos up to 2 days ahead of time, so they are ready to go when you want to cook them. Just make sure to store them, covered, in the refrigerator.
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📖 Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Cream Cheese and Hot Links
Ingredients
- 8-12 large jalapeños
- ½ lb hot links about 2-3 links, depending on size
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1.5 lbs Bacon about 16-24 slices. 1 slice per jalapeno half.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ teaspoon BBQ rub Optional, for added flavor
Instructions
Prepare the stuffed jalapenos
- Pan cook or grill the hot link sausages. Allow to cool, then dice into about ¼-inch cubes.
- Rinse, then half the jalapenos, lengthwise. Use a small spoon to remove the seeds and pith. Arrange on a baking tray.
- In a medium sized bowl combine the softened cream cheese, BBQ sauce, and optional BBQ rub. Mix to evenly combine, then stir in the diced hot links.
- Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture among the jalapenos.
- Tightly wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeno. Use a toothpick, if needed, to keep it all held together.
Cooking the hot link stuffed jalapeno poppers
- Preheat your oven, grill or smoker to 375 degrees. If using a grill, set up for indirect heat.
- Cook for 25-45 minutes, until the bacon reaches your ideal doneness level. They tend to cook quicker on a grill, so check them about every 15 minutes and rotate, as needed, for even cooking.
- When cooked to your preference, remove from the oven or grill. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy.
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