Armadillo Eggs: the tasty Texas BBQ appetizer recipe for bacon-wrapped armadillo eggs

Before you think we’re making some strange type of cuisine, read on! Armadillo eggs are made with jalapenos, cream cheese, breakfast sausage, and bacon. They’re brushed with BBQ sauce and cooked until crispy and delicious! Bacon-Wrapped Armadillo Eggs is an easy, keto, low-carb Texas BBQ appetizer recipe.

It’s basically a jalapeno popper meatball wrapped with bacon—how can you go wrong! The flavor is salty and smoky, while each bite is crispy on the outside, with a creamy filling on the inside. If you’re looking for a fun (and super yummy) appetizer, this is the recipe for you. It’s meaty, spicy, creamy—everything you can dream of in an appetizer.

How To Make Armadillo Eggs

Preheat the oven while preparing the jalapenos. Remove the stem first, and then the seeds (and any of the membranes that remain.

Now mix the filling. Stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Use a teaspoon (or piping bag) to fill the jalapenos. Take a strip of bacon and carefully wrap it around the jalapenos. Use a toothpick to secure the ends.

Bake the jalapenos until the bacon is cooked. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake until crispy.

Tips For making Bacon-Wrapped Armadillo Eggs

Streaky bacon will work best as the fat adds flavor. You can use lean bacon, but fatty bacon is preferred!

You can also make this on the grill! Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Place the wrapped and filled jalapenos over indirect heat and close the lid. Smoke for 2 hours. Cherry wood, hickory, and maple will all work well with the armadillo eggs.

You can use ground beef or ground pork instead of breakfast sausage, or you can leave it out completely!

Alternatively, use ground chorizo instead of sausage, and omit the hot sauce.

How To Store And Reheat Armadillo Eggs

Store cooled Armadillo Eggs in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven (at 350°F) for about 15 minutes. You can also use the Airfryer, use the reheat function and reheat for 5 minutes.

Can You Freeze Armadillo Eggs?

You can freeze unbaked Armadillo Eggs for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then add a layer of foil. To bake from frozen, add 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a baking rack on a large baking sheet.

Remove the jalapeno stem, and core, making sure that all the seeds are removed.

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and garlic powder.

Fill the jalapenos with the cream cheese mixture.

Take a piece of the sausage and wrap it around each jalapeno.

Wrap a piece of bacon around each one, securing it with a toothpick.

Place the filled jalapenos on the baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, then turn on the broiler.

Brush the jalapenos with the BBQ sauce, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.

Notes

Can’t find jalapenos in a store near you? You can also use whole pepperoncini peppers.