Looking for an irresistible and unconventional appetizer or main dish to surprise your family and friends at your next gathering? Search no further! This devilishly delicious Armadillo Eggs recipe is not only tasty but also guaranteed to be the talk of the party.
These little morsels seamlessly combine the flavor-packed explosion of jalapeno poppers with the satisfying tenderness of meatballs. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how to create this mouth-watering dish.
Why Armadillo Eggs
Armadillo Eggs are the perfect party snack, combining spicy jalapeno poppers with juicy sausage for a flavor-packed bite. They’re easy to make and can be grilled or oven-baked for ultimate convenience. Your guests will be begging for the recipe.
Ingredients and cooking tools
You’ll need jalapenos, cream cheese, ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and BBQ seasoning to make these irresistible Armadillo Eggs. Additionally, gather essential tools like a baking sheet, grill or oven, mixing bowls, and a knife to prepare this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
Now that you’re ready to make Armadillo Eggs gather all the necessary ingredients.
First up: the jalapenos. You’ll want to have around 12 large jalapenos for this recipe.
Next, gather cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and your choice of seasoning for the filling. You’ll need ground sausage, barbecue sauce, and more of your favorite seasoning for the meat part.
Don’t forget toothpicks, gloves, and a baking sheet or grill for cooking.
Meat part ingredients
You’ll need some ground sausage or ground beef for the meat part of this Armadillo Eggs recipe. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Mix the meat with your favorite BBQ sauce, spices, and shredded cheese to give the meat a burst of flavor.
This meat mixture will be wrapped around the jalapeno poppers, giving them their signature “armadillo egg” appearance.
Others
Apart from the meat and jalapeños, you’ll need cream cheese, shredded cheddar, your favorite BBQ sauce, and seasoning. Use toothpicks to secure the ingredients together while they cook.
Cooking tools and equipment
To make these Armadillo Eggs, you’ll need a few essential tools: a knife for cutting and deseeding the jalapenos, a mixing bowl, a baking sheet or grill, and gloves to protect your hands from the spicy peppers. Assemble your tools and get ready to create a devilishly delicious treat!
Preparation
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to prepare these devilishly delicious Armadillo Eggs. Start by washing your hands thoroughly and ensuring your working space is clean.
Practicing good hygiene while handling raw meat and fresh produce is essential to avoid contamination. The preparation process involves preparing the jalapenos, preparing the meat mixture, and assembling the Armadillo Eggs.
Each step adds a layer of flavor to create the perfect taste and texture in the final product. You’re now one step closer to enjoying this tempting treat!
Preparing the jalapenos
Cut off the stem end and scoop out the seeds and inner membranes using a small spoon or knife to prepare the jalapenos. You want to hollow out the pepper to create a cavity for the cheese mixture.
If you prefer less heat, remove more of the inner membrane, as that’s where the pepper’s heat resides. Once your jalapenos are cleaned and hollowed out, set them aside for the next step in your Armadillo Eggs recipe.
Preparing the meat mixture
Once your jalapenos are prepped and ready, it’s time to prepare the meat mixture. Add your chosen ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated cheese, and desired seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
Remember to choose seasonings that complement the flavors you’ve already included in your Armadillo Eggs recipe. Use a spatula or your hands (wearing gloves if you prefer) to mix everything together until well combined.
The consistency should be similar to a meatloaf, allowing it to mold easily around the jalapenos. Now you’re all set to assemble your Armadillo Eggs.
Assembling the Armadillo Eggs
Now that the jalapenos and meat mixture are ready, it’s time to assemble the Armadillo Eggs.
First, take a jalapeno half and stuff it with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Then, wrap the stuffed jalapeno with a portion of the meat mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered and forming an egg-like shape. Repeat this process for all the jalapeno halves.
Once assembled, you can start cooking them immediately or place them in the fridge for later use. Just remember, these devilishly delicious Armadillo Eggs are worth every step.
Cooking instructions
It’s finally time to cook up our mouth-watering Armadillo Eggs! Whether you prefer grilling or oven-baking, either method works perfectly for this recipe.
For those who enjoy grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the eggs for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they’re evenly cooked. If you’d prefer an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake the eggs for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Both methods will result in irresistibly tasty and juicy Armadillo Eggs that you and your guests will love.
Grilling Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium heat if you prefer grilling your Armadillo Eggs. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Cook the wrapped jalapenos for about 25-30 minutes, occasionally turning, until the bacon is crisp and the meat is fully cooked.
Remember to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once ready, transfer them to a plate, let them cool for a few minutes, and serve. Enjoy your devilishly delicious, grilled Armadillo Eggs.
Oven-baking Instructions
If you prefer oven-baking to grilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled Armadillo Eggs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat mixture reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you’d like a crispier bacon coating, you can broil the Armadillo Eggs for 2-3 more minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Once cooked through and slightly cooled, enjoy your devilishly delicious baked Armadillo Eggs.
Serving suggestions
Once your Armadillo Eggs are perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve them up! They make a fantastic appetizer, especially with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. Alternatively, serve them as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or coleslaw.
These delicious bites can also be the star of the show at your next barbecue or game-day spread. Experiment with different sides and dips to create the perfect combination that suits your taste.
Whatever you choose, these devilishly delicious Armadillo Eggs will surely be a hit with friends and family.
As a main dish
If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, consider serving these Armadillo Eggs as the main star of your dinner table. Pair them with seasoned rice or grilled vegetables to round out the meal.
Add a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped chives on top to elevate the flavor of this tasty dish even more. Talk about a delectable, protein-packed feast that’s sure to impress.
As appetizer
As an appetizer, Armadillo Eggs can steal the show at any event or gathering. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, ranch dressing, queso, or barbeque sauce.
You might even offer a few different choices for guests to enjoy. Pair these delicious bites with fresh vegetables or a light salad, and watch as they’re quickly devoured by everyone in attendance.