Indulge in the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and savory with these Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Quail—tender quail filled with a creamy, zesty Jalapeño cheese mixture.
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Quail is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the rich, tender meat of quail with the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeño poppers. Whether served as a show-stopping entrée or an impressive appetizer, this dish brings together the best of comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Feeds 2-4 People
Prep time 20-25 minutes
Cook time 45-60 minutes
Why Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Quail Works
Flavor Contrast: The spicy, creamy jalapeño popper filling (usually made with cream cheese, jalapeños, and bacon) complements the rich, tender meat of the quail.
Textural Variety: The combination of the crispy, smoky bacon, the creamy filling, and the tender quail creates an enjoyable mix of textures.
Aromatic Infusion: Stuffing the quail with a flavorful filling infuses the meat with the rich aromas of the jalapeños and spices as it cooks, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in every bite.
Elevated Presentation: Quail is a small, elegant bird, and stuffing it with something like jalapeño popper filling makes it a visually striking dish
Ingredients:
- 4 Quail
- 8 ounce cream cheese(room temperature)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 jalapeño diced
- ¾ pound ground italian sausage
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons all purpose seasoning
Cooking Process
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Prepare the popper stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and the stuffing is smooth.
Stuff the quail: Pat the quail completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up when cooking. Carefully stuff each quail with the jalapeño popper cream cheese mixture, ensuring the filling is packed in well.
Season and wrap: Lightly season the outside of the stuffed quail with your preferred all-purpose seasoning. Then, wrap each quail with one slice of bacon, securing the bacon seam on the bottom.
Prepare for cooking: Place the quail on a chicken rack or a baking rack. This allows for even heat circulation during cooking and makes it easier to move the quail in and out of the oven or smoker.
Preheat your smoker or oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cook the quail: Smoke or bake the stuffed quail for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Rest: Once the quail is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve and enjoy your delicious Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Quail!
Looking for another wild game recipe? This Grilled Pheasant & Grilled Wild Boar Chops are some of my favorites!
Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Quail:
- Bacon wrap: If you prefer extra crispiness, you can sear the bacon-wrapped quail in a hot skillet or grill
- Adjust the spice: For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or replace them with bell peppers. For extra heat, add a touch of cayenne or hot sauce to the stuffing.
