Jalapeño Poppers
Prep time: 15Cook time: 15Servings: 12
Tags
JalapeñOBaconCream CheeseAppetizerTex-MexBakedParty FoodGame DaySpicyVegetarian Option
Ingredients
- 12 JalapeñO Peppers (Large, halved lengthwise, and seeded. Wear gloves when handling.)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened to room temperature)
- 2 Scallions (Finely chopped, both white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Lime Zest (Freshly grated)
- 12 slices Thin-Cut Bacon
- 1/2 cup Tortilla Chips (Finely crumbled, for vegetarian option)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Halve each jalapeño lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Wearing gloves is recommended to avoid skin irritation from the oils in the jalapeños.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped scallions, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and lime zest. Mix well until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Fill the Jalapeño Peppers: Generously spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, slightly mounding it.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers as much of the cream cheese filling as possible. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent it from unraveling during baking, if necessary.
- Arrange and bake: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown and the jalapeños are tender. For a vegetarian option, sprinkle the tops of the cheese-stuffed peppers with the crumbled tortilla chips before baking.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the jalapeño poppers cool slightly before serving. Remove any toothpicks used to secure the bacon. Serve immediately as an appetizer.
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