Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Bacon

These Jalapeno Poppers are a great addition to our movie nights. Since they do not contain any added carbs they are also a nice appetizer in our Keto diet. However, the beauty of this dish is, you can enjoy them anytime you want, Keto or not. They are the perfect party finger foods. If you don’t mind a little heat in your food, you will become seriously addicted to these. They taste absolutely creamy, cheesy and decadent. 

I love these types of recipes where you don’t have to work a lot to eat something delicious and this recipe is incredibly easy. All you have to do is mix the cream cheese with the cheddar, garlic and onion and stuff it in halved jalapeños, then bake. That’s it! no mess no fuss. Yeah don’t forget to wear gloves otherwise there will be a lot of mess and fuss. Believe me, last time I did this mistake and after a while my hands started burning really bad and if that wasn’t the whole punishment! I accidentally touched my face! Ah! So you can understand how a small step is so important.

If you have friends coming over, having a movie or game night and want to prepare something quick then this is definitely the best thing to go for. Everyone just loves these irresistible Poppers. Plus, the convenience of using only a handful of ingredients is always a plus side. As I always say, the less time you spend in the kitchen, the more time you have with your loved ones.

For the Keto dieters, these Jalapeno poppers are not just party food but just the right food for their diet. The cheese and bacon adds in all the necessary fats and since we wont be wrapping the bacon around the jalapenos, it also saves a ton of time.

Bon Appetit!

Ingredients (serves 2):

• Jalapeno – 2, medium, washed
• Cheddar Cheese - 2 tablespoons, shredded or cut into small cubes
• Cream Cheese - 1 ounce, softened
• Onion - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Bacon - 2 slices (pre-cooked)

Others:

• Parchment Paper
• Disposable gloves

Core the Jalapenos:

• Coring will help to remove most of the heat because we will be cutting out and removing the insides of the pepper. 
• Start by wearing disposable gloves so that the seeds do not burn your hands. Always wash your hands after touching the Jalapenos and do not touch your eyes or face while cutting them.
• Cut the stems and slice the jalapenos in half.
• Take a spoon or a short knife and scrape out the membrane working from the bottom to the top of the pepper. 
• Your jalapenos are now ready to be filled.

Directions:

• In a small bowl, mix the Cream Cheese, Cheddar cheese, Onion and Garlic. 
• Crumble the Bacon strips and stir in the above mix.

Tip: If the Cream Cheese is too hard, put it in the microwave and heat for a few seconds.

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Fill the Jalapeno halves with the mixture pressing lightly to stuff it properly.
• Place onto the lined baking sheet.

• Bake about 15 minutes or until the peppers are soft. Remember if the peppers are not yet soft then they will taste very hot.
• Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Tips:

• When properly cooked, the peppers wont taste hot but still carry a hint of heat and flavor.
• For an enhanced palate, use a flavored cheddar cheese.
• Make sure not to overfill your jalapeno halves because the cheese will ooze out when they bake.
• Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands well after handling the jalapenos.
• Make sure to soften the cream cheese. I always keep it outside, on the kitchen counter for 15-20 minutes before mixing it in any dish. It makes it soft and easier to mix in.
• You can prepare some extra filling and use it as a dip or a spread.
• Buy Jalapenos which are about 3-4 inches long. The smaller ones are harder to stuff in. 
• If you like spicy and hot food, feel free to leave some of the seeds in the jalapenos (keep a drink ready at hand, just in case).

Cooking the Bacon:

• I find cooking the Bacon in the microwave a lot easier than doing it on the stovetop. 
• Place a sheet of paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
• Lay the Bacon slices on the paper towel in a single layer.
• Place another sheet of paper towel on top.
• Heat in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes (usually the packet will have the cooking time mentioned on it).
• Remove from the microwave, wait for a few minutes then crumble.

Recommended Reading:

• Debarshi’s Amuse Bouche
• My Cheap and Delicious Cheese Plate
• Pyaz Ke Pakore (Onion Fritters)
• Cheela (Savory Indian Crepes)
• Mughlai Kabab
• Tandoori Chicken
• French Chops
• Samosa (Spicy Potato stuffed Pastries)
• Alur Bora (Mamma’s Potato with Garlic fritters)
• Kabiraji
• Un-Sweet Tea
• Allahabadi Alu Patty (Puff Pastry with Spicy Potato Filling)
• Veggie Puffs
• Lovely Cranberry Margarita