Looking for a bratwurst recipe that’s sure to impress at your next BBQ? Look no further! Our Jalapeño Sausage Popper Boats are the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and smoky, making them a hit with everyone who loves bratwurst. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers big on flavor.
The tasty combination of sausages, creamy cheese filling, and spicy jalapeños creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. The BBQ rub adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness, while the cheddar cheese brings in that gooey, melty goodness. The jalapeños add just the right amount of heat, making you want to come back for bite after bite.
These Jalapeño Popper Brat Boats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, tailgating, or just looking for a fun dinner idea, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and it’s a unique twist on traditional bratwurst that will impress your guests.
Love the classic jalapeno popper flavor profile? Me too! I have a bunch of recipes that highlight this combo, including these crispy Chicken Fried Jalapeno Poppers or this Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball. They're perfect for your next feast!
What are Bratwurst Popper Boats?
This recipe takes the whole concept of jalapeno poppers to the next level. Instead of stuffing peppers, we're going to stuff bratwurst sausages with cream cheese and jalapenos.
You get that delicious creamy, spicy flavor, but all tucked inside the brats. Smoking the brats adds so much flavor and allows the jalapeno juices to cook into each little bite. They're seriously good!
Why you’ve got to try these Viral Jalapeno Popper Sausage Boats
- Great for potlucks, BBQs, and summer parties
- Fun twist on classic flavors - jalapeno poppers and smoked brats combined all in one
- Hearty enough to be served as a main dish
- Tastes great with all your favorite sides, like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad
- The brats soak up the smoke flavor which adds so much extra flavor
Ready to get cooking? Print this recipe!
Ingredients
- Fresh brats - The star of the show. Choose high-quality brats for the best results.
- Softened cream cheese - This will form the base of our filling.
- Blazing Star BBQ Rub - Adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Because more cheese is always better.
- Fresh jalapeño - This gives the dish its signature kick. You can choose jalapenos with different heat levels to suit your heat tolerance.
- Sausage Buns - For serving.
- Sriracha Mayo - Optional, but it adds a fantastic burst of flavor and a little extra heat.
How to Make Sausage Poppers with Jalapenos
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 400°F.
- Use a sharp knife to slice each bratwurst open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Shape each bratwurst into a canoe, creating a cavity for the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, BBQ rub, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeño. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each bratwurst, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle a little more BBQ rub on top of the filled bratwursts.
- Add a heavy pinch of shredded cheddar cheese on each.
- Top with slices of jalapenos if you like an extra kick.
- Place the bratwursts on the smoker and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, place each bratwurst in a sausage bun. Drizzle with Sriracha mayo for an extra burst of flavor.
Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure the brats are perfectly cooked without drying out.
To serve, place each bratwurst in a sausage bun. The buns help catch any delicious, melty cheese that might escape and make the brats easier to handle. Drizzle them with sriracha mayo for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan of sriracha, feel free to substitute with your favorite condiment.
Storing Suggestions
The leftover sausage boats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually prefer to bake them until heated through and the cheese begins to soften again.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t like jalapeños? Swap them out for another pepper, like a milder bell pepper or spicy peppers, like serranos.
- Want to add more cheese? Go for it! Smoked gouda would be a great alternative or replace the cream cheese with creamy pimento cheese. There are lots of options!
How to Serve
I like to serve these similar to regular brats with all my favorite potluck sides. Break out the potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and more. They're really filling, so they make a great main dish instead of classic ribs or brisket. Plus, they're way faster to make!
FAQs
Can you use different sausages?
You can use any type of sausage you prefer! Brats are classic and work great with the flavors in this recipe. You can also use mild Italian sausages, pineapple chicken sausages, or whichever type of sausage you want to try. Just be aware that some sausages are precooked (like the flavored chicken sausages). Pre-cooked sausages will take less time to cook while fresh, raw sausages will take longer. Keep an eye on the internal temp to make sure they don't end up overcooked.
Can you make sausage popper boats in the oven?
Absolutely. You won't get the same smokiness, but this can make the recipe easier for people without a grill. Just arrange the brats on a baking sheet, ideally with a wire rack on top so the juices drip away, and follow the rest of the instructions like normal. You can also use an air fryer, although you'll have a hard time fitting them all in the basket.
How long does it take to smoke sausage popper boats?
The total cooking time will depend on whether you're using fresh or pre-cooked sausages. In general, it takes about 30-45 minutes, but always temp for doneness instead of going off a set amount of time.
Related Recipes
- Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Bacon-Wrapped Poppers
- Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
- Jalapeno Popper Sausage Balls
- Sausage Pinwheels
Let's get cooking!
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Jalapeno Popper Sausage Boats
Ingredients
- 3 Bratwurst
- 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon BBQ rub
- ¼ cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 Jalapeno diced
- Additional BBQ rub
- Jalapeño slices optional
- 3 sausage buns
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 400°F.
- Slice each bratwurst open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Shape each bratwurst into a canoe, creating a cavity for the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, BBQ rub, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeño. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each bratwurst, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle a little more BBQ rub on top of the filled bratwursts.
- Add a heavy pinch of shredded cheddar cheese on each.
- Top with jalapeño slices if you like an extra kick.
- Place the bratwursts on the smoker and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, place each bratwurst in a sausage bun. Drizzle with Sriracha mayo for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition
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