Baked Texas Jalapeño Peppers: A Spicy Delight for Any Occasion 🌶️🧀
Discover the perfect blend of heat and flavor with these scrumptious Baked Texas Jalapeño Peppers, a popular choice for chili cook-offs and casual gatherings. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe combines the creamy richness of cheese with the smoky essence of bacon, all encased in a zesty jalapeño pepper. Ideal for quick appetizers or a spicy brunch treat, these peppers are a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients:
- 25 fresh jalapeño peppers 🌶️
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese 🧀
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 🥄
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
Instructions:
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Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Begin by cutting each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds from the pepper halves to reduce the heat and create a cavity for the cheese mixture.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the prepared pepper halves. Blanch the peppers in the boiling water for 5 minutes to soften them slightly.
- After blanching, drain the peppers thoroughly and set them aside to cool. This step ensures that the peppers will be tender yet still firm enough to hold the cheese filling.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well blended and smooth. The cream cheese acts as a creamy base, while the cheddar adds a rich, sharp flavor, complemented by the tangy Worcestershire sauce.
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Assemble the Peppers:
- Using a spoon, place a heaping teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto each pepper half. Ensure that the cheese mixture is evenly distributed and generously fills the cavity of each pepper half.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese-filled peppers. The bacon adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheese.
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Bake the Peppers:
- Arrange the assembled peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the peppers from sticking to the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the peppers for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as you want the cheese to be perfectly melted without browning.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These Baked Texas Jalapeño Peppers are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a flavorful addition to any meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 47.9
- Fat: 4.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 12.6mg
- Sodium: 63.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.1g
With their spicy kick and creamy, cheesy filling, these Baked Texas Jalapeño Peppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next event. Enjoy them hot from the oven or at room temperature, and watch them disappear in no time! 🌟
Feel free to adjust the spice level by including or excluding the seeds from the jalapeños, or by adding more or less Worcestershire sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to create your own delicious variations. Happy cooking! 🥳🍽️