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Spicy Pimento Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños with Bacon

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These spicy pimento cheese stuffed jalapeños with bacon are a bold, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Creamy homemade pimento cheese fills fresh jalapeños, topped with crispy bacon for the ultimate party snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large fresh jalapeño peppers
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup diced pimentos, drained
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
  • Extra pimento pieces (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Arrange bacon slices on a wire rack over the baking sheet or directly on the sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy, turning once halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble.
  3. Wash and dry jalapeños. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with a generous amount of pimento cheese mixture, smoothing the tops slightly.
  6. Arrange stuffed jalapeños on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Remove jalapeños from the oven and immediately sprinkle crumbled bacon over each half. Garnish with chopped chives and extra pimento if desired.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets up a bit.

Notes

For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños or substitute sweet mini peppers. Grate your own cheese for best texture. Bacon is crispiest when baked and added immediately after jalapeños come out of the oven. Filling can be made ahead and chilled for easier stuffing. Leftover filling is great on crackers or celery.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed jalapeños, pimento cheese, bacon appetizer, party snack, spicy appetizer, southern recipe, gluten-free appetizer, finger food

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/spicy-pimento-cheese-stuffed-jalape-n-os-with-bacon-easy-party-appetizer-recipe/