Cheesy Jalapeno Bites
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
20–24 jalapeños
8 oz. cream cheese–softened
4 oz. (1 cup) shredded colby-jack cheese
1/3 cup finely diced apple (like an 1/8 inch dice or smaller)
3 green onions–minced
1/3 cup cooked and diced small bacon
2 pinches kosher salt
1 pinch ground black pepper, plus more for the tops
Instructions:
Cut each jalapeño in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes and discard. Set aside.
Mix together the softened cream cheese, colby-jack cheese, apple, green onion, and bacon. Season with couple of pinches of kosher salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Using your fingers (trust me, it’s the easiest), stuff each half of jalapeño with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t pack it in, but fill them up good.
Place them on a stainless rack fitted into a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F. for 20–25 minutes. Smaller peppers require a shorter cooking time. If you prefer some crunch to your jalapeño, choose the lesser cooking time.
Let peppers sit for 5 minutes and then serve immediately. They are best eaten right away.
From secretlifeofachefswife.com


