Jalapeño Poppers
Y'alllll! This recipe is such a hit. Here’s a couple of tips before you make it...First, make sure that you go for the block of cheddar cheese rather than pre-grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese does not melt as well because it has added chemicals/preservatives to prevent it from clumping. We want the clump!!! Next thing-- make sure you soften the cream cheese before making the filling for the peppers. That way, it’ll combine smoothly with the bacon, cheese and seasonings. Lastly, this recipe is super simple and doesn’t require too many ingredients. You do not need to add additional salt to the mixture as the cream cheese has the perfect amount. Although the jalapenos are deseeded, the poppers have a good amount of heat to them. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and the perfect dish for game night! Happy cooking!
Ingredients:
8 large jalapeno peppers
1 ⅓ c freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Black pepper
1 stalk green onions
5 strips turkey bacon (optional)
Non-stick cooking spray
Preheat Oven- Preheat the oven to 400 F °..
Prep Jalapeños- Begin by rinsing jalapenos in cold water, then drying them with a paper towel. Next, cut peppers in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove seeds and ribs.
Cook Bacon- Lightly coat pan with non-stick spray then place pan on medium-high heat. Cook bacon until crispy. Once bacon is cooked, cut or crumble into small pieces (leave a little extra for garnish).
Combine Ingredients- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, bacon (leaving some extra garnish), ⅔ c shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.
Fill Peppers- Next, add about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture to each jalapeno boat.
Bake Peppers- Grease the baking sheet then transfer peppers to the sheet. Sprinkle a little cheese on each pepper then bake jalapenos for 10 minutes and broil for an additional 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve-While jalapenos are baking, slice green onions for the garnish. Remove jalapenos from oven, garnish with extra turkey bacon and green onions, then serve.