Name: Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound shaved beef; ½ pound thick cut bacon; 12 whole jalapenos; 1 large yellow onion; 1 red bell pepper; 1 block softened cream cheese; 8 oz shredded provolone cheese; 1 tbsp SPG blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder); Cheese Wiz (for topping)

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers: The Perfect Big Game Snack

When it comes to game-day snacks, jalapeño poppers are a fan favorite. But imagine combining the spicy, smoky flavor of jalapeños with the savory richness of a cheesesteak.

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and unique twists on classic recipes. They’re the perfect addition to any big game celebration, offering a balance of heat, creamy goodness, and meaty satisfaction.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make these poppers using simple ingredients and steps, ensuring your snack game is on point.

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Why You’ll Love Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers bring together the best of both worlds.

On one hand, you have the iconic Philly cheesesteak with its tender shaved beef, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions. On the other, you’ve got the crispy, spicy kick of classic jalapeño poppers.

Combine the two, and you get a flavor-packed appetizer that’s bound to disappear fast from your big game table.

The smoked element adds an extra layer of flavor to these poppers, making them irresistibly smoky and savory. And, of course, the crispy thick cut bacon brings a delicious crunch to every bite.

\Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying some snacks at home, these poppers are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

To make these incredible smoked cheesesteak jalapeño poppers, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for cheesesteak jalapeno poppers. — *Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram:* @the_salted_bite)

1 pound of shaved beef: This is the key to giving your poppers that authentic cheesesteak flavor.
½ lb thick-cut bacon: Crisp and flavorful, the bacon adds crunch and a smoky element to the mix.
12 jalapeños: Medium-sized jalapeños are perfect for stuffing.
1 large yellow onion: The sautéed onion will add a sweet and savory flavor to balance out the heat of the jalapeños.
1 red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.
1 block softened cream cheese: Cream cheese should be at room temperature, as this will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients.
8 oz shredded provolone cheese: A classic cheesesteak cheese that melts beautifully inside the poppers.
1 tbsp SPG blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder): Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors of the beef and veggies.
Cheese Whiz (for topping): The final touch that brings this dish full circle with classic Philly cheese steak flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

1. Prepare the Bacon

First, start by cooking your thick cut bacon. Heat a griddle over medium heat, and lay the bacon strips down. Let them cook until they’re crispy, then remove them from the griddle and set aside.

Don’t discard the bacon fat, as you’ll use it to sauté your vegetables next. Once the bacon cools, crumble it into small pieces. This bacon will add both texture and flavor to the poppers.

2. Sauté the Onion and Peppers

In the same bacon fat on your griddle, cook the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper over medium-high heat. Let them sauté until the onions become translucent and the bell peppers are soft.

The bacon fat will infuse these veggies with a rich, smoky flavor. Once cooked, remove the onions and peppers from the griddle and set them aside.

3. Cook the Shaved Beef

Next, it’s time to cook the shaved beef. On the same griddle, add the beef and season it with your SPG blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder).

Cook the beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Shaved beef cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Once done, remove it from the griddle and let it cool slightly.

4. Create the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shaved beef, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, and peppers. Add the softened cream cheese (make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing) and the shredded provolone cheese.

Stir everything together until well combined. This cream cheese mixture will serve as the filling for your jalapeño poppers, so make sure it’s evenly mixed for maximum flavor in every bite.

5. Prepare the Jalapeños

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon to carefully remove the seeds and core.

If you want less heat, be sure to scrape out all the seeds and membranes, as this is where most of the spice is concentrated. If you enjoy spicy food, you can leave a few seeds behind for an extra kick.

6. Stuff the Jalapeños

Now comes the fun part! Using a spoon, fill the jalapeno halves half with your cream cheese mixture.

Be generous with the filling, ensuring that each jalapeño is packed with the cheesy, meaty goodness. Once all the jalapeños are stuffed, place them on a wire rack.

7. Smoke the Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

Preheat your smoker to 325°F. Once it’s up to temperature, place the jalapeños on the smoker.

Let them cook for about 45 minutes, or until the jalapeños are softened and the filling is warm and bubbly.

The smoker will infuse the jalapeños with a rich, smoky flavor, making these poppers extra special. Once done, carefully remove them from the smoker.

Cheesesteak jalapeno poppers on the smoker.

8. Add the Final Touch: Cheese Whiz

No cheesesteak is complete without Cheese Whiz, and these jalapeño poppers are no exception! Warm up some Cheese Whiz and drizzle it over the top of the smoked poppers.

The creamy, melty cheese adds a classic cheesesteak touch and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

These Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers are best served warm, straight from the smoker. They make the perfect game-day snack, but they’re also great for parties, BBQs, or any time you’re craving a spicy, cheesy bite.

Alternative Cooking Options

Don’t have a smoker? No problem! You can still make these poppers in an oven.

Simply preheat your oven to 325 degrees f and bake the jalapeño poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 45 minutes, just like you would in the smoker.

Cook the bacon, pepper and onions in a large skillet. While you won’t get that smoky flavor, they’ll still be delicious!

Storing Your Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store the jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or 325 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Customization Ideas

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways to customize your poppers:

Ground beef instead of shaved beef: Swap out the shaved beef for seasoned ground beef for a different texture.
American cheese: Instead of provolone, try using American cheese for an even creamier filling.
Cheddar cheese: Mix some cheddar into the filling for a sharper cheese flavor.

These Smoked Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or make a few tweaks, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next big game gathering!

Looking for other delicious food ideas? Be sure to check out some of my favorites below!

Smoked Street Corn Queso
This creamy queso is loaded with the bold flavors of smoky grilled corn, zesty spices, and melted cheese. Topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, it’s a perfect dip for tortilla chips or as a flavorful addition to tacos and nachos.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pork belly burnt ends are tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites of slow-smoked pork, caramelized with a rich BBQ glaze. Packed with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these bite-sized treats are a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast.

Brisket Street Corn Tacos
These tacos are stuffed with tender, smoked brisket and topped with charred street corn, cotija cheese, and tangy lime crema. Every bite delivers a delicious blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors, making them an unforgettable fusion of BBQ and Mexican street food.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing come together in these mouthwatering sliders. Served on soft buns, these mini sandwiches are perfect for any party or game day gathering, offering a satisfying bite packed with flavor.

Bourbon Bacon Jam Chicken Wings
These wings are tossed in a sticky, bourbon-infused bacon jam that adds a sweet, smoky, and savory glaze. The bold flavors of bourbon, crispy bacon, and tender chicken wings make for an unforgettable appetizer, perfect for any big game or BBQ.