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​🔥 Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Poppers – "Ono Poppers"
🌶️🥓These sweet, smoky, and spicy poppers are an absolute BBQ crowd-pleaser! I like using red Fresno chilies for their mild heat, slight sweetness, and vibrant color, but jalapeños work just as well. The combination of creamy pineapple filling, crispy bacon, and caramelized BBQ sauce makes these irresistible.

🌶️ Step 1: Prep the Peppers
 Instead of slicing the tops off, we’re using a better method to keep the filling from leaking while cooking.
✔ Using a sharp knife, cut a slit along one side of the pepper, starting just before the tip and stopping just below the stem.
✔ Gently squeeze the ends of the pepper to open the slit slightly.
✔ Use a small spoon or dull knife to scrape out the seeds and veins.
✔ This takes a little extra time, but it keeps the filling secure--no toothpicks needed!

🍍 Step 2: Make the Pineapple Cream Cheese Filling
 The sweet & creamy filling balances out the smoky heat of the chilies.
✔ In a bowl, mix:

• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice) 🍍
• 8 oz cream cheese 🧀

✔ Stir until smooth and well combined.
✔ Using a small spoon, pack the filling tightly into each pepper.

🥓 Step 3: Wrap in Bacon
​ Thin-cut bacon works best for crispiness and easy wrapping.
✔ Wrap each stuffed pepper with a whole slice of thin-cut bacon, starting from the top.
✔ Stretch the bacon tightly as you wrap, making sure it slightly overlaps—this helps it stay in place without toothpicks.
✔ Trim off any excess bacon.
✔ Lightly sprinkle with your favorite BBQ rub for an extra layer of flavor.

🔥 Step 4: Smoke or Grill
✔ Set your smoker or grill for indirect heat at 250°F.
✔ Smoke the poppers until the bacon is crisp and browned (about 45-60 minutes).
✔ Brush with BBQ sauce (I love my Bourbon Pineapple BBQ sauce 🍍🥃) and let them cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.

🌶️ Variations & Tips
​✔ For a milder version, use baby sweet peppers instead of chilies.
✔ Want more heat? Use serrano peppers or add a dash of cayenne to the filling.
✔ No smoker? Cook them indirect on the grill or in a 400°F oven until the bacon crisps up.
🔥 The perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy – a must-try BBQ appetizer! 🔥