Description
Spicy Fresno poppers bring fiery Mexican-inspired charm to appetizer tables, combining cream cheese, bacon, and zesty peppers. Crispy, creamy bites deliver bold flavor that will keep guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 Fresno chili peppers
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Carefully slice the Fresno peppers vertically, removing all inner seeds and white membranes to reduce potential heat intensity.
- Create a smooth, creamy cheese blend by thoroughly mixing cream cheese, cheddar, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Generously fill each pepper half with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Enhance texture by coating the stuffed peppers with a crisp panko breadcrumb and olive oil mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Position the prepared poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining space between each pepper to promote even heating.
- Roast in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 15-18 minutes, watching for peppers to soften and cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Allow poppers to rest for a few minutes after removing from oven, which helps stabilize the filling and prevents burning when serving.
- Present warm as an appetizer or spicy accompaniment to your meal, offering a delightful balance of creamy cheese and vibrant pepper flavors.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by keeping or removing pepper seeds, tailoring heat intensity to personal preference.
- Swap regular cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests, maintaining creamy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
- Add protein by mixing cooked crumbled bacon or shredded chicken into cheese filling for a heartier appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg