Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño Poppers

from peppergeek.com
40 min
4 servings

These jalapeño poppers are crunchy, creamy and full of flavor. They're the perfect appetizer or finger food.

Ingredients

  • 2 quartsoil for frying (vegetable, canola, and peanut are great for deep frying)
  • 12fresh jalapeños
  • 8 ozcream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cupshredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 ozreal bacon bits (or 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped)
  • 1 tspgarlic powder
  • 1 tspworcestershire sauce
  • 1 tspdried chives (or fresh, chopped)
  • 1 cupflour
  • 1 cupmilk
  • 1 cupitalian breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoonspaprika

Directions

Preparation

  1. 1

    Wash and dry jalapeños.

  2. 2

    Slice each jalapeño lengthwise, making sure the stem is intact on both halves. Scoop out seeds and ribs.

  3. 3

    Preheat 2 quarts of cooking oil to 375°F.

  4. 4

    Add paprika to breadcrumbs and combine.

Prepare the filling and poppers

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, chives, and bacon.

  2. 2

    Using a spoon, fill the hollowed out jalapeños with cheese mixture.

  3. 3

    Arrange the dredge assembly line starting with the 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup Italian bread crumb mixture.

Dredge and cook the poppers

  1. 1

    One by one, start by dipping stuffed jalapeños in milk, then into the flour mixture.

  2. 2

    Allow 10 minutes for the jalapeños to dry.

  3. 3

    Next, dip each jalapeño again in milk, then roll wet jalapeños into the breadcrumb mixture.

  4. 4

    Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill and firm up the breading.

  5. 5

    Finally, working in small batches, deep-fry your coated jalapeños until they are golden brown, about 3 minutes.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to cool for about 5 minutes.

  7. 7

    Serve warm and enjoy!