Armadillo Eggs with Jimmy Dean® Sausage

There are recipes people enjoy, and then there are recipes people can’t stop talking about.

Armadillo Eggs have become a favorite for backyard cookouts, gameday gatherings and just about any occasion where good food and good company come together. With a combination of savory flavors, simple ingredients and an impressive presentation, it’s easy to see why this recipe continues to earn a spot on household menus across the country.

A Crowd Favorite for any Occasion

One of our favorite things about a recipe like this is its versatility. This one can show up anywhere. Serve it as an appetizer before the main event, add it to a tailgate spread or make it the centerpiece of your next get-together. No matter how it’s served, it’s the kind of dish that gets people asking for seconds and the recipe before the meal is over.

At the heart of this crowd favorite is Jimmy Dean® sausage, bringing rich, savory flavors to the mix that make every bite stand out.

Jimmy Dean® Armadillo Eggs

Ingredients

Jimmy Dean® Sausage, regular or hot, based on preference
8-10 large jalapenos
1 8 oz. cream cheese block, softened
1-1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
1-2 tsp BBQ seasoning of choice, plus more for seasoning
16-20 slices of bacon (we recommend a classic Jimmy Dean® or Wright® brand pack)
Spicy brown sugar rub
BBQ sauce of choice
Optional: fire-roasted green chiles

Directions

Prep the jalapenos by cutting off the tops and removing the ribs and seeds. Do not slice the jalapeno in half.
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Colby Jack and 1-2 tsp of BBQ seasoning. If desired, add the optional fire-roasted green chiles here.
Stuff each prepared jalapeno tightly with the above mixture.
Wrap each pepper with a hand-formed sausage patty completely around it.
Wrap the sausage and jalapeno base with 2 slices of bacon, stretching it thin and wrapping it tightly.
Season the outside of the bacon with extra BBQ seasoning and the spicy brown sugar rub.
Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours until the sausage and bacon are cooked thoroughly.
Brush with your BBQ sauce of choice, then increase the smoker to 450°F. At this higher temperature, cook them for another 15-20 minutes until the glaze is set.
Let the peppers rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

More than a Recipe

Food has always had a way of bringing people together. The dishes we remember most aren’t necessarily the most complicated; they’re the ones people gather around, talk about and recreate for future occasions. Armadillo Eggs check all those boxes, making them a go-to choice for anyone looking to add something special to the menu.

Whether feeding a crowd or trying something new, this recipe is ready to earn a place in your gathering lineup. And if history is any indication, don’t expect leftovers.

Ready to make it yourself? Watch the full recipe video on Tyson Foods YouTube and follow along from start to finish.