Atomic Buffalo Turds, often abbreviated as ABTs, are a popular and delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a combination of spicy, savory, and smoky flavors. They are essentially jalapeño peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture, wrapped in bacon, and smoked or grilled to perfection. The name might sound unusual, but these tasty treats are a favorite at barbecue gatherings and parties.
History:
The exact origin of Atomic Buffalo Turds is a bit unclear, but they’re closely related to the larger world of “poppers,” which are typically jalapeño peppers stuffed with cheese or other fillings. The term “Atomic Buffalo Turds” is believed to have been coined in the barbecue and smoking community as a humorous and catchy name for this particular variation.
Components:
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Jalapeño Peppers: The star of the show, jalapeño peppers provide the heat and a fresh, peppery flavor. You can adjust the level of spiciness by choosing jalapeños with different heat levels.
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Filling: The filling can vary, but a common mixture includes cream cheese, shredded cheddar or another cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add ingredients like cooked sausage, crab meat, or even chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
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Bacon: Thin strips of bacon are used to wrap each stuffed jalapeño. The bacon adds a smoky, salty element and helps hold everything together.
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Toothpicks: Toothpicks are often used to secure the bacon in place, ensuring the ABTs stay intact during cooking.
Steps to Prepare Atomic Buffalo Turds:
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Prep the Jalapeños: Cut the tops off the jalapeños and remove the seeds and membranes. This is where most of the heat resides, so removing them can reduce the spiciness. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeño oils.
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Prepare the Filling: Mix the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and your choice of seasonings in a bowl until well combined. You can also incorporate any additional ingredients you like.
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Stuff the Jalapeños: Fill each jalapeño with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they’re packed but not overflowing.
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Wrap in Bacon: Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeño and secure it with a toothpick.
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Cooking Methods: You can cook Atomic Buffalo Turds in various ways. The most common methods are smoking or grilling. Place them on a preheated grill or smoker at around 225-250°F (107-121°C) and cook until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender. This usually takes around 2-3 hours, but the time can vary based on temperature and your specific setup.
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Serve: Once they’re cooked to perfection, remove the toothpicks and serve your Atomic Buffalo Turds hot.
Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time needed to prepare Atomic Buffalo Turds can vary based on factors such as the cooking method and equipment used. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to prepare ABTs. This includes the time for prep, cooking, and any additional resting or cooling time before serving.
🌶️🥓🔥 Enjoy your spicy, bacon-wrapped, and cheesy Atomic Buffalo Turds! 🍽️😋
Certainly, here are some nutrition facts and health information for Atomic Buffalo Turds (ABTs):
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, but may vary based on ingredients and portion size):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories per ABT.
- Total Fat: About 8-12 grams, primarily from the bacon and cream cheese.
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-5 grams, mainly from the cream cheese and bacon.
- Cholesterol: Around 20-30 milligrams, mostly from the cream cheese and bacon.
- Sodium: Approximately 200-300 milligrams, due to the bacon and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 2-4 grams per ABT, with a small amount from the cream cheese and jalapeños.
- Fiber: Very minimal fiber content.
- Protein: Approximately 3-5 grams, primarily from the cream cheese and bacon.
Please keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors like the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. The primary sources of calories and fat in Atomic Buffalo Turds come from the cream cheese and bacon, which can make them relatively high in both.
Health Information:
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Moderation: While Atomic Buffalo Turds are delicious and perfect for special occasions, they are not the healthiest option due to their high fat and calorie content. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat.
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Spiciness: The spiciness of jalapeño peppers can be beneficial for some people. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat, may have health benefits, including potential pain relief and metabolism-boosting properties. However, it can also be uncomfortable for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
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Balance: If you’re concerned about the nutritional profile of ABTs, consider balancing your meal by including healthier options alongside them, such as a salad or grilled vegetables.
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Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of dietary restrictions and allergies when preparing or serving ABTs. For example, some individuals may be lactose intolerant or have allergies to certain ingredients used in the filling.
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Cooking Methods: The method of cooking can affect the nutritional content. Grilling or smoking is generally better than deep-frying for reducing the amount of oil and fat absorbed.
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Hydration: Spicy foods like jalapeños can make you thirsty, so be sure to drink enough water when enjoying ABTs.
Remember that it’s essential to adapt recipes to your dietary needs and preferences. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, consider using low-fat or alternative ingredients to make ABTs a bit healthier.🌶️🥓🔥😊