Venison Jalapeño Poppers Wild Game Appetizers – A Game Day Favorite
Baked or grilled, these easy venison jalapeño poppers are always a crowd-pleaser. Fresh jalapeños are stuffed with seasoned ground venison, soft cream cheese, mild shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, crispy bacon crumbles, and an extra sprinkle of cheese. A spoonful of jalapeño jelly adds a sweet-heat kick (optional, but highly recommended 😉).
Smoky, cheesy, and just spicy enough, these wild game poppers disappear fast—making them the perfect appetizer for game day, backyard cookouts, or any time you want a bold bite with big flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooked ground venison, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapeño jelly, and garlic powder until well mixed.
Spoon the venison mixture evenly into each jalapeño half and top with bacon crumbles.
Arrange the poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground venison, cooked
- 9-12 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1-2 tbsp jalapeño jelly (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooked ground venison, cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapeño jelly, and garlic powder until well mixed.
- Spoon the venison mixture evenly into each jalapeño half and top with bacon crumbles.
- Arrange the poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Remove all membranes for mild poppers or leave some for extra heat.
- These can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cook directly from frozen by adding 5–8 minutes to the bake time.
How to Make Venison Jalapeño Poppers
These easy venison jalapeño poppers come together quickly and can be baked in the oven, cooked on a wood-fired pellet grill, or grilled over direct heat. The key is balancing creamy, savory filling with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeños.
Start by slicing fresh jalapeños in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes. For milder poppers, scrape the inside completely clean. If you like extra heat, leave a little membrane intact.
In a mixing bowl, combine cooked ground venison with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crispy bacon crumbles, and seasoning. For a sweet-spicy twist, fold in a spoonful of jalapeño jelly. This filling should be creamy but sturdy enough to mound inside each pepper half.
Spoon the venison mixture generously into each jalapeño half and place them on a baking sheet or grill-safe pan. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly finish.
How Long to Bake Venison Jalapeño Poppers (Oven Method)
Baking is the easiest and most consistent way to cook jalapeño poppers—perfect for game day prep.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
For extra color, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Let the poppers rest for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be hot and melty right out of the oven.
Traeger or Pellet Grill Venison Jalapeño Poppers
Cooking venison jalapeño poppers on a Traeger or pellet grill adds incredible smoky flavor and is one of my favorite methods for wild game appetizers.
Preheat your pellet grill to 375°F. Place the stuffed jalapeños directly on the grill grates or on a grill tray to prevent tipping. Close the lid and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the peppers are softened and the cheese is fully melted.
For more smoke flavor, you can start at 225°F for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 375°F and cook an additional 10–15 minutes to finish and brown the tops.
How to Grill Jalapeño Poppers on a Barbecue
Jalapeño poppers can also be grilled on a gas or charcoal barbecue using indirect heat.
Preheat the grill to medium heat (375–400°F) and set it up for indirect cooking. Place the poppers on the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and cook for 18–25 minutes, until the jalapeños are tender and the filling is hot.
If you want a little char, move them briefly over direct heat for the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid flare-ups.
Tips for the Best Wild Game Jalapeño Poppers
- Pre-cook the venison before stuffing the peppers. This ensures the filling is fully cooked and keeps the poppers from drying out.
- Soften the cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Use thicker jalapeños so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Cooked bacon on the top cooks more evenly than wrapping poppers with raw bacon.
- These poppers can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venison Jalapeño Poppers
Can I use other wild game instead of venison?
Yes. Ground elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, or wild game sausage all work well in this recipe. Be sure the meat is fully cooked before stuffing the jalapeños.
Can I make venison jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes. Venison jalapeño poppers are an excellent make-ahead appetizer. Assemble the poppers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to bake or grill, cook as directed, adding 2–3 minutes if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
How spicy are venison jalapeño poppers?
The heat level is easy to control. Removing all seeds and membranes makes the poppers mild, while leaving some membrane increases the heat. The creamy cheese filling helps balance the spice.
What cheese works best for jalapeño poppers?
Cream cheese creates the classic creamy filling, while shredded cheddar adds flavor and meltability. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked cheese can also be used for added depth, especially when cooking.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
Venison jalapeño poppers are ideal for entertaining and game-day prep.
Make ahead:
Assemble the poppers up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving for best results.
Storage:
Store cooked poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing:
Freeze assembled, uncooked poppers for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen without thawing.
What to Serve With Venison Jalapeño Poppers
These venison jalapeño poppers pair well with a variety of wild game dishes and classic game-day sides, including:
- Deer Chile Verde with cubed venison and sweet corn
- Antelope Chili or a Hearty Ground Elk Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Hominy for a comforting main dish
- Ground Venison Cornbread Stuffed Poblano Peppers – ground venison, fresh poblano peppers, and a golden cornbread topping
- Elk or Venison Cornbread Casserole a main dish that is easy to serve to crowd
- Venison Enchilada Meatballs – perfect for another ground venison appertizer
- Wild Game Black Bean Flautas – each flour tortilla is stuffed with seasoned ground meat, diced green chiles, black beans, and two types of cheese
Dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or extra jalapeño jelly complement the flavors perfectly.
Why Venison Jalapeño Poppers Are a Wild Game Favorite
These easy venison jalapeño poppers are cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor. Whether baked, grilled, or cooked on a wood-fired pellet grill, they are a reliable crowd-pleasing appetizer that highlights how approachable wild game cooking can be.
Perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or holiday gatherings, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
