Name: Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 4 oz. cream cheese; 8 oz. sharp cheddar shredded, divided; 1/3 cup BBQ sauce; 2 cups pulled pork; 8 jalapeños

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Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers are a spicy and hearty appetizer great for a game day snack or an easy 30 minute dinner in the oven!

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers baked with cheese on sheet pan

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Traditional Jalapeno Poppers are seeded and halved jalapenos filled with cheese and sometimes breaded. I decided to make these Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers heartier with pulled pork.

The results of this easy 30 minute recipe are a finger food that is bursting with sweet and spicy flavors that are to die for! It is sure to be a crowd pleaser on game day, but it is also hearty enough to hold up as a quick weeknight dinner.

Serve the cheesy jalapeno poppers with some Air Fryer Carrot Fries, Southwest Vegetable Quinoa Salad or Baked Southwest Onion Rings for a wholesome dinner your family will be excited about.

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Popper on spoon

How to make pulled pork

You can make Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork, Pellet Grilled Pulled Pork or take the easy route and buy a pack at the grocery store.

I love the rich smokiness of smoked pork on my Traeger grill, but I’m not going to kid you. I often use the shortcut of buying pulled pork. Sure it isn’t as flavorful, but it gets the job done in a pinch.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pulled pork from your pork sandwiches.

What type of cheese should I use in jalapeno poppers

The go-to cheese in jalapeno poppers is cream cheese. It add an obvious creaminess that can’t be compared to sharper cheese, but doesn’t have much flavor.

This cheesy recipe calls for a half block of cream cheese as well as extra sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor. You can substitute mild cheddar cheese, but you will be sacrificing some flavor.

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers topped with shredded sharp cheddar

I appreciate the convenience of pre-shredded cheese available at the grocery store. I use it for many recipes, but when you are wanting to achieve an ooey gooey cheese to bake on top of a recipe like these jalapeno poppers, shredding block cheese is best.

Take the extra 5 minutes to shred a block of extra sharp cheddar and you won’t be disappointed. It’s a good job to put one of your older kids to work with while you are in the kitchen!

cheese and barbecue sauce in mixing bowl

bowl with BBQ, cheese and pork mixture for jalapeno poppers

How to make Jalapeno Poppers in Oven

To get started, add the cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce to a mixing bowl. Using a beater, mix until it is well combined. Add in the pulled pork and mix well.

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers on sheet pan baked with cheese

How to prepare jalapenos

When you are dealing with any spicy pepper your best bet is to wear kitchen gloves when handling them.

I can’t tell you the number of times that I have cut up jalapenos and despite washing my hand with thoroughly, finding that the spice from the pepper manages to get in my eyes when I rub them.

Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and membrane.

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers with bite out of front

What are the spiciest part of a pepper

Many people believe that the seeds are the spiciest part of the pepper, but the membrane actually contains the most capsaicin, which is where the spice is contained. The membrane are the white ribs on the inside of the pepper.

If you love spice, then leave the membrane, but if you are want to make these jalapeno poppers more family friendly, then be sure to scrape out the membranes really well.

Jalapenos halved and seeded on sheet pan

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers on black sheet pan

Baking Pulled Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Line a sheet pan with the sliced jalapeno peppers and fill each one generously with the cheesy pork mixture.

Top the BBQ pork stuffed peppers with grated cheddar cheese. If a little spills over on the pan, feel free to leave it. It actually bakes up in the crunchy cheese goodness that is really the best part of any cheese recipe!

Bake the jalapeno poppers at 400° for 15 minutes or until the jalapeno is tender and the pork is warmed through.

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers baked on sheet pan

Can I prep BBQ jalapeno poppers ahead of time

The great part about this easy recipe is that you can make them ahead of time. Stuff the peppers with the meat and cheese mixture and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.

When it is time for your party or kickoff on game day, pop the jalapeno poppers in the oven and bake until warmed through.

Cheesy BBQ Pork Jalapeno Poppers on sheet pan

More easy game day appetizers!

If you are looking for more easy game day food that is sure to be a hit with your guests, check out these amazing recipes!