Ingredients:
- 12 medium jalapeno peppers
- 5ml (1 tsp) olive oil
- 225g Philadelphia cream cheese
- 120g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) onion powder
- 1.25ml (1/4 tsp) smoked paprika
- 2 strips cooked bacon, finely minced
- 120ml (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 15ml (1 tbsp) melted butter
- 15ml (1 tbsp) fresh chives, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out all seeds and white membranes. Rub the exterior of the peppers with 5ml of olive oil.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and minced bacon. Stir until the mixture is uniform.
- In a separate small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Spoon the cheese filling into each jalapeno half, leveling it with the edges of the pepper.
- Press the buttery panko mixture onto the top of the cheese filling on each popper.
- Arrange the poppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the panko topping is golden brown.