If you love bold, smoky, and spicy snacks, these Atomic Buffalo Turds—jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese and little smokies, then wrapped in bacon—are sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
They pack a perfect combination of heat, creamy richness, and savory bacon flavor, making them irresistible finger food for parties or game day.
Why I Love This Recipe
Explosive flavor with a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and smoky
Easy to prepare yet impressive crowd-pleaser
Versatile for grilling or smoking, adding rich smoky notes
Cream cheese filling balances the heat naturally
Great for parties, tailgates, or casual get-togethers
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Fresh jalapeño peppers — Washed, trimmed, and seeded for stuffing.
Bacon slices — Thin slices to wrap around the peppers.
Little smokies — Mini smoked sausages for hearty filling.
Cream cheese — Softened, mixed with spices for creamy filling.
Paprika and cayenne pepper — Adds smoky heat to the filling.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Always wear food prep gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
Leave some inner membrane intact if you want extra heat; remove seeds for milder spice.
Use a pastry bag or butter knife for neat and generous cream cheese filling.
Secure bacon with toothpicks to keep everything tightly wrapped during cooking.
Cook low and slow for tender, flavorful results; monitor closely to prevent spilling.
Choose a sweet BBQ sauce to complement the heat when serving.
How to Make Atomic Buffalo Turds
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños
Wash and trim stems off jalapeños.
Slice lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and veins, leaving some membrane if you want more heat.
Wearing gloves is recommended to protect your skin.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with paprika and cayenne pepper until smooth.
Fill each jalapeño half generously with this mixture using a butter knife or pastry bag.
Step 3: Assemble the Turds
Place a little smokie on top of each cream cheese–filled jalapeño.
Wrap each with half a slice of bacon, ensuring the seam is on top.
Secure with a toothpick inserted through the bacon and smokie, stopping before piercing the pepper to avoid filling leakage.
Step 4: Season
Sprinkle your favorite BBQ seasoning blend over the assembled peppers.
A homemade mix of brown sugar and cayenne works well too.
Step 5: Cook
Smoke or grill at 250°F for about 1.5 hours until bacon is cooked but not overly crispy for easy biting.
For crisper bacon, increase temperature to 300°F and cook about 1 hour, watching carefully to avoid pepper collapse.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce—sweeter sauces pair wonderfully with the spicy heat.
Try mixing sauce with a bit of cran-grape juice for a fruity kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Crisp celery and carrot sticks to cool the palate
Fresh baked buns or sliders to make mini sandwiches
Pickled jalapeños or other tangy sides
Cold beer or your favorite cocktail
Variations / Substitutions
Substitute little smokies with cooked chorizo or sausage links
Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the cream cheese mix
Use turkey bacon for a lighter option
For milder heat, choose smaller jalapeños or remove all seeds and membranes
Experiment with different BBQ sauces from smoky to sweet
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover turds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on a grill or in an oven to crisp bacon again.
They can be frozen before or after cooking; thaw fully before reheating.
FAQs
Are Atomic Buffalo Turds very spicy?
They can be quite spicy depending on how much membrane and seeds you leave inside. Adjust to taste.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before cooking.
Bring to room temperature before smoking or grilling.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
Grilling or baking in the oven works well too.
How do I avoid cream cheese leaking?
Stop toothpick insertion just before the pepper’s bottom to keep filling sealed.
Can I use frozen jalapeños?
Fresh jalapeños are recommended for best texture and flavor.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to serve?
Sweeter sauces balance heat nicely—try honey BBQ or fruit-infused sauces.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Skip the little smokies and bacon; stuff peppers with cheese and veggies instead.
Final Thoughts
Atomic Buffalo Turds are the perfect balance of heat, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese that make a standout appetizer or snack.
Whether for a party or a casual night in, these poppers deliver big flavor and are sure to disappear fast.
Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with minimal effort!
