These spicy little snacks will be the hit of any guy get-together. Jalapeño poppers are doctored up with spiced crispy pork belly.
Mother's Day is all about delicate brunch foods, and Father's Day is all about Man Food -- meat, cheese, bacon, and beer. Big, bold flavors.
I asked Dave for some inspiration. What kind of "man food" would he like for Father's Day? A big, juicy burger? Pizza smothered in cheese? Bacon-wrapped shrimp?
He said he'd been in the mood for jalapeño poppers. Spicy, cheesy, eat-with-your-hands snack -- that definitely qualifies as man food.
But I decided to take it to another level by adding his favorite indulgence -- pork belly. And to up the flavor ante, I covered the pork belly with a spicy chili rub before crisping it up in a skillet.
I found fully-cooked pork belly at Trader Joe's, so my cooking instructions reflect that. If you use raw pork belly, be sure to cook it fully using whatever cooking method you prefer.
The consensus? WOW! So much heat and flavor! These little poppers would be perfect for any barbecue, tailgate, or fiesta party.
Chipotle Pork Belly-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 4 ounces cooked pork belly, diced
- 12 jalapeno peppers, split, seeds and ribs removed
- 1 ½ oz shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ oz shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese at room temperature
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, black pepper and ground mustard in a medium bowl. Add the diced pork belly and toss to coat.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, and add the pork belly, and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and the shredded cheeses. Add the pork belly and gently fold the meat into the cheese mixture.
- Scoop the filling into each of the jalapeno pepper halves. Arrange the peppers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Liz says
Wow! What an amazing twist on jalapeno poppers! Winners for sure!!!
Laura says
Hubby already loves jalapeno poppers but these look even better, can't wait to give them a try.
Nichole C says
My husband would love this with pork belly! This looks delish!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
I love jalapeno poppers! The addition of pork belly totally elevates this to another level! Love it!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
You had me at Chipotle... Then at Pork Belly... Oh my word do these look delicious!
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
You hit the nail on the head with this one. I love the addition of the crispy pork belly.
MealDiva says
Perfect man food! My husband would love this!! Seriously yummy.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
YUM!! I love jalapeno poppers and adding pork to it is such a great idea! I am loving your recipe!
[email protected] Tastes Good says
I saw some ginormous jalapenos at the market the other day that would be perfect for stuffing!! Love love love that you used pork belly!! I can't wait to make these - yummmmmm!! Pinned!
Martin D Redmond says
Wow! Your recipe looks amazing. I would love to try these! Nom, nom, nom!
Deanna Samaan says
Oh wow, I love these!!!
Danielle Nichols says
Anything with chipotle and pork in it is a winner in my book. What man wouldn't love this?!
Tara says
Hubs is putting a pork belly roast, porchetta in the smoker today. He would adore these, thank you!!!
Shaina says
Pork belly...now that's man food right there. Jalapeño poppers will never be the same after this!
Renee says
Pork belly! Pork belly! You got my attention with pork belly! And stuffing it jalapenos. Heaven!
Sarah says
Holy moley!! I would down this in a second!
susan @ the wimpy vegetarian says
What a great way to do a popper!! I can see why they'd be a favorite at ANY party.
The Ninja Baker says
I do believe your stuffed jalapeño poppers are popping with flavor, Coleen! Love your mix of spices and cheeses, especially the dried mustard and Monterey.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Omg, Coleen. When I saw these on Instagram, I could NOT stop drooling!
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
Aaahhhhh this is man food at it's finest!!!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Oh my goodness these look amazing! Love them!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
You win everything for the brilliance of using pork belly...mmmmmm...pork belly... One of my favourite foods and big-time indulgence. I love this twist on the mighty jalapeno popper!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Hey fellow PA gal! Your pork belly looks so satisfying!
Mary Bellebuono says
Okay now we are pork lovers big time but in all my 72 years i have never heard of Pork Belly..
Is Trader Joe's the only place to find this ??
Would absolutely love to try this..Thank you so much for an awesome recipe..
Coleen says
Hi Mary! Pork belly is available at most Asian specialty grocery stores (do you have an HMart in your area?), and probably at independent butcher shops. If you absolutely can't find it, you can substitute an unsliced block of pancetta (ask at your grocery store's deli counter if they have any discarded ends).