Smoked Atomic buffalo turds (The perfect bbq appetizer)

Photos for this recipe are from Erin Hungsberg (IG: erin_hungsberg)

Atomic buffalo turds are bacon wrapped jalapeños that have been filled with cream cheese and little smokies, for one tasty bite. These are really delicious and make the perfect bbq appetizer. 

With a name like smoked atomic buffalo turds they have to be good right? I admit when I first heard of these, I was a little skeptical. After I made them I quickly realized they are just as good if not better than jalapeño poppers.

Ingredients you will need

What I love about this recipe are the simple ingredients needed to make this delicious appetizer. 

Jalapeño peppers 

Cream cheese 

Little Smokies 

BBQ Rub 

Slices of bacon 

How to make smoked atomic buffalo turds

First remove the tops of your jalapeños and cut them lengthwise down the middle. Then remove the seeds by scraping them out with your finger or a spoon.

I recommend using some gloves while you are making these to keep the jalapeno juices off your hands.

Next take a block of softened cream cheese and put it in a bowl then add bbq rub. Use whatever rub you like the best.  Stir the seasoning and cream cheese together until it is well combined. 

Next take the mixture of cream cheese and smear it into each half of jalapeño. Just take a butter knife and spread it on.

Additionally if you are worried about making a mess you could put the cream cheese into a pastry bag and pipe them in.

Then add 1 little smokey right on top of the cream cheese.

Finally, wrap each jalapeño with a half slice of bacon. I like to use thick cut bacon slices but thin cut will give you crispier bacon. I like the top of the little smokey sticking out on the ends.

Once you have the bacon wrapped around the buffalo turd secure it with a toothpick to keep everything in place. To finish I like to add a little more rub to the outside. These are going to be some delicious smokey treats. 

Now fire up your smoker to 250 °F and smoke them on indirect heat for about 1.5 hours. Then increase the temperature to 350°F and cook for another 30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Just keep a close eye on them around the 2 hour mark. The jalapeños will be soft and the cream cheese nice and warm. 

Serve them with a side of your favorite bbq sauce to dip them in if you want. They are good no matter how you eat them! 

FAQ:

Are these spicy? They really aren't bad if you don't like spicy food. They have a hint of heat but the cream cheese really balances it out. 

Can I use other cheeses or filling? Yes you absolutely can. I've used cheddar cheese mixed with the cream cheese and have also added some smoked paprika. 

Can I make these in the air fryer or oven? Yes you can, I would just cook them at 350 until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are soft. 

What kind of wood should I smoke with? Cherry, pecan and oak are great options. Cherry mixed with pecan is a go to blend of mine. 

Variations: 

Make it spicy: Keep the seeds in the jalapeno and add some cayenne pepper to the cream cheese before spreading. 

Make it sweet: Sprinkle on some brown sugar on the outside of the atomic buffalo turds just before placing them on the smoker. 

Change the filling: Experiment with different fillings using a variety of cheeses or meats. (Brisket, pulled pork, ground beef) 

For more appetizers check these out! 

Jalapeno poppers pigs in a blanket

How to make smoked pig shots

French dip sliders with Au jus 

Candied bacon crackers 

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