Sunday, June 8, 2014

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños


 So excited to share this recipe on my blog!!! If you have seen me at a party this past month than you know that I probably prepared this appetizer. The flavors of seasoned cream cheese, salty bacon and spicy jalapeño peppers make this the perfect bite sized snack!!! 
To prepare stuffed jalapeños can be a little time consuming….but it is truly an easy recipe! Make sure that you have some cheap plastic gloves on your grocery list…..definitely important when you are cleaning out the jalapeños.  I usually line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. It helps to collect the grease during baking and makes clean up easier.  

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños 

25 jalapeños, sliced in 1/2; remove stem & seeds
1 package regular (mild) sausage
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, cut into chunks
paprika
pepper
garlic powder
Italian Seasoning
1 package of bacon, cut into 1/3's
box of round toothpicks

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While wearing plastic gloves; wash jalapeños, cut in half and remove stems/seeds….and then set aside. In a large skillet cook package of sausage until done. Turn to low heat and then stir in chunks of cream cheese and add seasoning (paprika, pepper, garlic powder & Italian seasoning) to taste.  (I usually add a few dashes of each) Remove from heat when all ingredients are blended together. Using a small spoon stuff each 1/2 of jalapeño with the cream cheese filling. Wrap 1/3 a slice of bacon around the stuffed pepper and secure with a toothpick. Continue filling and wrapping until all jalapeños are done and then place on a foil lined cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until bacon is crisp and done. Serve immediately and enjoy!!!
This delicious appetizer is worth the work!! They never last long anytime I bring them to a social gathering. It always seems to be a surprise whether I happen to buy hot or not so hot jalapeños….it just depends on the batch at the grocery store. Even the spicier jalapeños seem to be balanced out with the cream cheese and bacon. Either way these will be the hit of any party!!!