Annual Southern Gentleman Issue

Armadillo Eggs Recipe

Tailgate Bites

From the World Series to the Super Bowl to a concert in the park, there’s hardly anything that’s more American than a tailgate party. These types of gatherings, however, aren’t just about the big game or the performance; they’re about coming together with family and friends for an evening (or even an entire day) full of cheering, laughter, and most importantly, scrumptious food and drink. If you’re looking to boost your own tailgate-hosting game, check out these featured recipes straight from the arsenals of the Scenic City’s expert entertainers. 

 

Photography by Rich Smith

 

Houston White Headshot

“I enjoy spicy game day snacks, and this one provides plenty of spice and great flavor. My guests ask for these quite often, and they are always gone pretty quickly. I like to amp it up by making my own dry rub and barbecue sauce!”
–Houston White, Ringgold

 

Armadillo Eggs

Armadillo Eggs

Max Trent
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Smoker

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp. dry pork rub, divided
  • 6 whole jalapeños with stems, core, and seeds removed
  • 1 lb. hot pork sausage
  • 12 bacon slices
  • 1 oz. barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat smoker to 275°-300°F (I use hickory or apple wood for this recipe).
  • In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and 1 Tbsp. of pork rub. Spoon some of the mixture into each of the jalapeños.
  • Add remaining Tbsp. of rub to hot pork sausage, then wrap each jalapeño with the sausage. Use your hands to ensure the sausage is covering the entire jalapeño, and roll back and forth into an egg shape.
  • Wrap each egg with bacon – it will usually take two pieces per egg. Secure with toothpicks.
  • Place the eggs on the smoker over indirect heat and close the lid. Smoke until the internal temperature reads 165°F (time will depend on smoker temperature and size of eggs).
  • If you want soft, bite-through bacon, brush the eggs with the barbecue sauce and serve immediately. If you want crispy bacon, brush the eggs with barbecue sauce, then increase the heat to 400° and cook for a few more minutes.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!
Keyword Appetizer, Armadillo Eggs, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, cream cheese, gameday, jalapeno, Jalapeño Poppers, sausage, Tailgating
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