This time-saving version of the popular jalapeno poppers can be made two ways. In the first, as shown in the photographs, the cheese-stuffed jalapeno peppers are wrapped with partially-cooked bacon. For an easier version, Bacon Topped Jalapeno Peppers, the partially-cooked bacon strips are cut into thirds, and one piece in placed lengthwise over each cheese stuffed jalapeno.
Partially Cooking Bacon
The bacon is partially cooked to ensure that it will crisp as the jalapenos cook. The bacon strips are placed side-by-side in a large baking pan and cooked for 10 minutes. The partially-cooked bacon is then cut in half and each half is wrapped around a cheese stuffed jalapeno. The stuffed jalapenos are baked in the bacon fat remaining in the pan after the bacon is partially cooked.
Heat of Jalapenos
The degree of spicy heat of the jalapenos will be determined by the seeds and membrane. For milder stuffed jalapenos, remove all the seeds and membrane, and adjust accordingly, leaving all the seeds and membrane for a really spicy version. Seeds and membranes can be frozen and used in other recipes to add spicy heat. (Optional: Use vinyl or latex gloves when handling the peppers.)
Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bacon
- 15 jalapeno peppers, 2 to 3 inches long
- 1 8-ounce bar extra sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
- Partially cook bacon. Place bacon strips close together, side-by-side, to fit in a large shallow baking pan. Cook 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Cut bacon strips in half and place on one side of large plate. (Do not clean baking pan. The stuffed jalapenos will cook in the small amount of fat left in the pan. If too much fat is in pan, drain to leave a thick coating over bottom of pan.)
- Wash jalapenos. Remove tops, if desired, and slice in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes for level of spicy heat preferred.
- Cut cheddar cheese into one-quarter-inch slices and cut each slice in half lengthwise. Place on plate with bacon.
- Place one or two pieces of cheese in jalapeno, breaking cheese to fit, and wrap with one piece of bacon, tucking end of bacon under jalapeno. Place stuffed and wrapped jalapeno on baking pan. Repeat with remaining jalapenos, cheese, and bacon, placing stuffed jalapenos close together.
- Bake at 450 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until bacon is browned. Let cool slightly before removing from baking pan. For easy removal, use a thin metal spatula.
- Serve as is; with salsa, black beans, and tortilla chips; or use in sandwiches. To serve as a dinner appetizer, place one jalapeno pepper on a tortilla chip. Place two or three on a plate.
Alternate Directions
To make Bacon Topped Jalapeno Peppers, cut partially cooked bacon in thirds and place on plate. Place sliced jalapenos in rows on baking sheet, and fill with one or two slices of cheddar cheese. Top lengthwise with bacon. Cook as directed.
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