Description

Fresno Poppers are a spicy and creamy appetizer made by stuffing Fresno chili peppers with a cheesy filling, then baking or grilling them to perfection.

Ingredients

12 Fresno chili peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
12 slices of bacon (optional, for wrapping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a grill to medium heat.
Slice each Fresno pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chives until well combined.
Stuff each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
If using bacon, wrap each stuffed pepper with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place the peppers on a baking sheet or grill-safe pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or grill for about 10–15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
Substitute Fresno peppers with jalapeños for a milder version.
Add chopped cooked sausage to the filling for extra flavor.