Smoked Jalapeño Popper Meatballs

Smoked Jalapeño Popper Meatballs take everything you love about classic jalapeño poppers and turn it into a hearty, irresistible bite. These meatballs are smoky, spicy, creamy, and perfectly tender, making them ideal for backyard barbecues, game-day spreads, or party appetizers. Each meatball hides a creamy cheese center that melts beautifully as it cooks, giving you a burst of flavor with every bite.

The combination of beef, spices, jalapeños, and green onions creates a savory and aromatic base that holds up well whether you choose to smoke or bake them. Smoking adds a deep, rich flavor that enhances the natural heat of the jalapeños, while baking keeps things simple and still delivers a satisfying result. The filling—softened cream cheese mixed with cheddar or pepper jack—brings the signature jalapeño popper creaminess that balances the spice perfectly.

A sweet and tangy glaze finishes the meatballs in the final minutes of cooking, giving them a glossy sheen and a boost of bold flavor. The BBQ sauce, honey, and optional hot sauce caramelize slightly at high heat or in the smoker, binding everything together into a beautifully sticky finish.

Whether served as appetizers, tucked into sliders, or plated with sides like coleslaw or roasted corn, these meatballs are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. They offer just the right balance of smoke, spice, and richness—making them a standout dish every time.

Servings: 20–24 meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (smoker) or 25 minutes (oven)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 2 lbs ground beef or beef/pork blend
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 jalapeños, finely diced
• 2 green onions, sliced

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 tbsp chopped green onion

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

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