Poppers are the Perfect Appetizer for a Super Bowl Party

One of my favorite appetizers, especially for a football party and ideal for the upcoming Super Bowl are Jalapeno Poppers.  The best recipe I have found was with  Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond featured on Good Morning America .  Her combination of flavors include spicy hot, sweet and salty.  When I make these, my guests devour them!

Ingredients

18 fresh jalapeños
One 8-ounce package cream cheese
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
2-3 green onions, sliced
18 slices thin bacon, cut into halves
Bottled barbecue sauce
Toothpicks (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Rubber gloves for working with jalapeños

Cooking Directions
Preheat the oven to 275ºF.

Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise (wear plastic gloves to protect hands from heat).  Try to keep the stems intact for a prettier presentation.

With a spoon, scrape out the seeds and light-colored membranes. Remember: The heat comes from the seeds and membranes, so if you can handle the sizzle, leave some of them intact.

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix the ingredients together gently. And don’t feel you have to use an electric mixer. 

Next, stuff each hollowed jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.  Wrap bacon slices around each half, covering as much of the surface as you can. Be careful not to stretch the bacon too tightly around the jalapeño, as the bacon will contract as it cooks.  Brush the surface of the bacon with your favorite barbecue sauce. Chutney or apricot jelly works well, too!

Secure the jalapeños with toothpicks and pop them in the oven for one hour, or until the bacon is sizzling.  Serve hot or at room temperature, and watch them disappear within seconds.

Variations:

For a simpler version, omit the cheddar and green onion from the cream cheese.  Cut sliced peaches or pineapple into small bits and press them into the cream cheese before wrapping the jalapeños in bacon.
Use Pepper Jack cheese in place of the cheddar cheese.