Homemade Jalapeno Poppers

With St. Patty's day approaching, we are starting to compile our list of great appetizers to kick off the day. This bite sized mix of salty, cheese, hot and green will make the perfect treat.

With only 4 ingredients, it is too easy :)

1 - 8 oz block of lite Philadelphia cream cheese

4 - cups shredded cheddar cheese.

10 -  Jalapeno peppers

1 - package bacon

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees, set out the cream cheese so it can soften while you prepare the rest of the dish, and line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Next, wash the jalapeno peppers and cut in half long ways. Then core out the seeds with a spoon. The veins and seeds is where most of the heat resides,  but don't worry, these will still have a bite! 

*Remember while working with the jalapenos, keep your hands away from your face to avoid the sting of the jalapeno juice!

After the jalapenos are halved and seeded, you can begin mixing the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Now that the cream cheese is soft, you can use a mixer on the lowest setting to mix in the cheddar cheese. I added about 4 cups to mine but add as much as you want! The cheesier the better ;)

Once you have your cheese mix, use a small spoon to fill your jalapeno halves and place on your cookie sheet.

Next, chop your bacon in half. I think it is easiest to cut it in half right out of the package.

Take the bacon halves and wrap one piece of bacon around your stuffed jalapeno pepper and stick with a tooth pick to keep it together.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes until the bacon is golden brown.

What green or St. Patty's day inspired treats are you making this year?

Enjoy!

Jes