Jalapeno Pepper Appetizer Recipes
Easy Jalapeno Recipes Perfect for Party Appetizers and Finger Foods
Oct 22, 2008
Native to the tropics of Central and South America, the pepper has probably been cultivated for thousands of years. Their seeds have been discovered in prehistoric caves in Peru. Columbus brought the pepper from the Caribbean to Spain, and their instant popularity soon spread to to the rest of the continent and England. The rest is history.
Peppers are part of a healthy, nutritious diet, low in calories but high in potassium and vitamins A and C. Whether green or red, a pepper contains more vitamin C than a whole orange. When preparing them, remember that the heat – or capsaicin - they contain can be controlled by removing the inner seeds and membrane for a milder pepper, or leaving the insides for a hotter pepper.
When working with hot peppers it is best to wear gloves, and do not touch your face; eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water when done.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
INGREDIENTS
- 10 jalapeno peppers
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 10 bacon strips, halved
DIRECTIONS
- Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds, stems and center membrane. Stuff each half with about 2 teaspoons of cream cheese. Wrap with bacon and secure with toothpick.
- Place on a broiler rack that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Remove toothpicks. Serve immediately.
Cheddar Jalapeno Shrimp
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined and butterflied
- 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, cut into strips
- 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, or to taste
- 2 pounds thick cut bacon
DIRECTIONS
- Cut the jalapeno peppers into thin strips. Place a strip or two of jalapeno pepper and cheddar cheese inside each shrimp.
- Sprinkle the stuffed shrimp with garlic powder and seafood seasoning. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Thread shrimp onto skewers.Grill or broil over medium high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until firm.
Jalapeno Cheese Squares
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb. Bacon
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped jalapeo peppers (pickled from a jar)
- 12 eggs, beaten
DIRECTIONS:
- Fry bacon until crisp, drain and crumble. Spray a 9 x 11 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Chop and seed jalepenos and line bottom of dish. Sprinkle bacon evenly over peppers.
- Add shredded cheese. Beat eggs until fluffy and pour on top of cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Cut in squares and serve upside down while hot. Insert toothpicks into squares if desired for serving.
Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
INGREDIENTS
- 1 dozen boiled eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 T. ground cumin
- 2 T. chopped capers
- 1 1/2 T. prepared mustard
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
- Paprika (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Cut eggs in half and remove yolks. Mash yolks with a fork. Mix all of the rest of the ingredients with the yolks.
- Fill egg whites with mixture. Sprinkle with ground paprika.
