Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 12 slices of bacon
Special equipment needed:
- Toothpicks
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
4. Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Cut each bacon slice in half.
6. Wrap each jalapeno half with a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick.
7. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 24 jalapeno poppers. Serving size is 2 jalapeno poppers per person.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Total fat: 19g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 370mg
Total carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 1g
Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use pepper jack cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- Instead of bacon, you can use prosciutto or pancetta.
Variations:
- Add diced jalapenos or green chilies to the cream cheese mixture for extra heat.
- Substitute the jalapenos with mini bell peppers for a milder version.
- Add cooked and crumbled sausage to the cream cheese mixture for a meaty twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid getting the spicy oils on your skin.
- Soak the toothpicks in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the oven.
- If the bacon is not crispy enough, broil the poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the jalapeno poppers, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the jalapeno poppers on a platter with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing drink.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for a Mexican-inspired appetizer.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cream cheese mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
- If the jalapenos are too spicy, remove the seeds and membranes completely or soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before filling.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling jalapenos.
- Cook the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers until the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese mixture is heated through to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Jalapeno poppers originated in Texas in the 1970s and have since become a popular appetizer in Mexican-American cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- These spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are creamy, smoky, and spicy all at once.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a party snack.
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