Best 8 Pepper Popper Fingers Recipes

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**Kick off your taste buds' adventure with firecracker Pepper Popper Fingers, guaranteed to send sparks flying!**

Indulge in an explosion of flavors with our Pepper Popper Fingers – a tantalizing fusion of crispy, bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. Get ready to experience a symphony of heat, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. Feeling adventurous? Take the heat up a notch and use hotter peppers like habaneros or serranos. Our recipe collection also offers a delightful twist with our Sweet & Spicy Pepper Popper Fingers, where a sweet and tangy glaze complements the fiery peppers.

For those seeking a vegetarian option, our Jalapeño Popper Sticks are a delectable treat. These crispy, cheesy sticks, coated in breadcrumbs and baked until golden, deliver a delightful burst of flavor without the meat. And if you're looking for a fun and easy appetizer, our Mini Pepper Poppers are perfect. These bite-sized treats, made with mini peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and wrapped in bacon, are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

PEPPER POPPERS



Pepper Poppers image

These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. -Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield about 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 pound fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
Sour cream, onion dip or ranch salad dressing

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine cheeses, bacon and seasonings; mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoonfuls into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs., Place in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and peppers are heated through, 15-20 minutes. Serve with sour cream, dip or dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 167mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

PARTY POPPERS (EASY APPETIZER FOR A CROWD)



Party Poppers (Easy Appetizer For A Crowd) image

Provided by Listotic

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 large bag sweet mini peppers (I buy the 2 pound bag)
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 package of bacon (cooked and chopped)
2-3 jalapeños (finely diced)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese

Steps:

  • Remove the cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients later.
  • Meanwhile, cook the bacon until it's crispy. I prefer to cook mine in the oven set at 375 degrees on a foil lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes (flip it half way through).
  • While the bacon is cooking, cut the tops off of the mini peppers and clean out the seeds. You can also take this time to finely dice the jalapeños and shred the cheese if you haven't already.
  • Once the bacon is done and cooled a bit, use a large knife to chop it into small bits.
  • In a medium to large bowl, use a spoon to mix together all of your ingredients except for the mini peppers.
  • Use a small spoon or mini spatula to stuff the mini peppers with the mixture.
  • That's it! Enjoy.

SWEET PEPPER POPPERS



Sweet Pepper Poppers image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Categories     appetizer

Time 40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

10 sweet mini multi-colored peppers (about 8 ounces)
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
6 ounces goat cheese
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact. Remove the ribs and seeds and discard, hollowing out each of the peppers. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper and place in an 8- by 8-inch baking dish.
  • Whip the goat cheese and ricotta together until light and airy in a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, about 2 minutes. Stir in the thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Fill each pepper halfway with 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture and level off with a small offset spatula.
  • Place the breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Pour the butter over the breadcrumbs and toss to combine. Sprinkle each pepper with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

JALAPENO PEPPER POPPERS



Jalapeno Pepper Poppers image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 poppers

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 large jalapeno peppers
4 Cheddar cheese sticks
24 pieces center-cut bacon
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey
Special equipment: 12 toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill to medium heat.
  • Cut about 1/2-inch off the top each jalapeno pepper. Take the top pieces that you just cut off, cut the sides off and reserve, discarding the middle stem pieces. These will be used to plug the open end of each pepper to help keep the cheese from melting out. Using a straight peeler, scrape out the seeds and ribs from the inside of each of the peppers.
  • Slice each cheese stick into pieces that are just slightly shorter than the jalapenos. Stuff a pepper with a piece of cheese. Take the reserved side pieces and place them into the open end of the pepper, covering the cheese and plugging the hole. Take a piece of bacon and wrap the pepper from the bottom end to the top end, making sure to secure the "plug" at the top end. Take a second piece of bacon and lay it down on a clean work surface. Roll up the pepper so that it is almost completely covered in bacon and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining peppers, cheese, bacon and toothpicks. Sprinkle each with chili powder.
  • Place on the grill, cover and cook over indirect heat until the bacon is crispy, 15 to 20 minutes, making sure to turn every 3 to 4 minutes.
  • While the poppers are grilling, combine the sour cream, cream cheese and honey in a small bowl. Mix until well blended and serve with the poppers.
  • Cook's Note: The poppers can also be made in the oven. Place the poppers onto a baking sheet fitted with a rack that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in a 400 F degree oven until the bacon is brown and crispy, 15 minutes.

MINI BELL PEPPER POPPERS WITH BACON



Mini Bell Pepper Poppers with Bacon image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     appetizer

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking pan
1 pound mini bell peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
5 slices crispy cooked bacon, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped Fresno pepper
1 tablespoon milk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  • Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. Arrange the peppers on the prepared baking pan cut-side up.
  • Mix the cream cheese, Cheddar, bacon, Fresno pepper and milk together in a bowl until very well mixed and soft.
  • Put the mixture into a resealable plastic bag (or a disposable pastry bag) and snip a corner to make an opening a little less than 1/2-inch across. Pipe a line of the cream cheese mixture into each of the peppers (the filling should not fill the whole pepper; it will spread as it cooks).
  • Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is melted, about 15 minutes. Serve hot.

JALAPEñO POPPERS



Jalapeño Poppers image

There are many delicious versions of jalapeño poppers: Some are breaded and deep-fried, others use two kinds of cheese, and another, called armadillo eggs, calls for enrobing the cheese-stuffed peppers with ground meat and bacon. These easy-baked poppers are filled with tangy cream cheese - brightened with scallions, cilantro, garlic and lime zest - then wrapped with bacon for looks, salt and crunch. For a vegetarian variation, sprinkle the stuffed jalapeños with finely crumbled tortilla chips before baking to complement the crisp-tender chiles and the molten-cheese filling.

Provided by Alexa Weibel

Categories     snack, finger foods, appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 24 poppers

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 medium jalapeños (no longer than 3 inches each, about 2/3 pound total)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Scant 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
3 scallions, whites and greens parts, trimmed and very thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 lime, zested (about 1/2 teaspoon), optional
Kosher salt and black pepper
12 thin slices uncooked bacon (thick-cut bacon won't cook as evenly), halved crosswise

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, then top with a wire rack.
  • Halve jalapeños lengthwise. (Do your best to halve them through their stems for added visual appeal.) Using the tip of a small spoon, scoop out and discard the seeds. Set the halved jalapeños aside.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cilantro, scallions, garlic and lime zest, if using; season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Season the inside of each halved jalapeño with salt and pepper, then fill each with about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture. (Fill until there's a slight dome on top.) Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with 1 piece of bacon, setting one tip of bacon on top of the cream cheese filling, then wrapping the bacon under and over the popper at an angle, so the bacon covers the filling on top in two layers. (The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so you want to make sure the top of the popper is well covered.) Arrange poppers evenly on the wire rack, nestling each popper between two parallel wires to keep it upright so the cream cheese doesn't spill during baking.
  • Transfer to the oven, and bake until bacon is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Broil on the rack closest to the broiler until crisp, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

PEPPER POPPERS (TASTE OF HOME)



Pepper Poppers (Taste of Home) image

Oh these are delicious. I skipped the bread crumbs and the dip but still loved it. Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home. I cooked mine longer, but I must say they were still nice and spicey. I still have jalapeno hands.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     High In...

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces monterey jack cheese
6 bacon, strips cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 lb fresh jalapeno, halved lengthwise and seeded
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
sour cream, onion dip or ranch salad dressing, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, bacon, and seasonings and mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoonfuls into each pepper half and roll in bread crumbs.
  • Place in a greased 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Bake uncovered, at 325 for 15 minutes for spicy flavor, 25 minutes for medium and 35 minutes for mild.
  • Serve with sour cream, dip or dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.7, Fat 22.3, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 63.6, Sodium 435.2, Carbohydrate 10.2, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 3.8, Protein 11.1

JALAPENO PEPPER POPPERS



Jalapeno Pepper Poppers image

Make and share this Jalapeno Pepper Poppers recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Nancy Van Ess

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lb fresh jalapeno, seeded (halved lengthwise)
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
prepared onion dip or ranch salad dressing

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine cheeses, bacon and seasonings.; mix well.
  • Spoon about 2 Tbs. into each pepper half.
  • Roll in bread crumbs.
  • Place in a greased 15x10x1" baking pan.
  • Bake, uncovered, 300 degrees for 20 minute for spicy flavor, 30 minute for med. and 40 minute for mild.
  • Serve with sour cream or dressing.
  • NOTES : When cutting or seeding hot peppers, use rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands. avoid touching your face. I omit the bacon in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.4, Fat 9.2, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 23.7, Sodium 172.5, Carbohydrate 3.2, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 0.9, Protein 4.3

Tips:

  • When choosing bell peppers, opt for firm and brightly colored ones to ensure freshness and flavor.
  • Use a variety of bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful dish. Red, yellow, and orange peppers add sweetness, while green peppers provide a slightly bitter note.
  • To easily remove the seeds and ribs from the bell peppers, cut them in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the insides.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, roast the bell peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them.
  • Feel free to customize the filling according to your taste preferences. Add more cheese, different spices, or even cooked meat or vegetables.
  • For a crispy coating, make sure to coat the pepper poppers in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before baking.
  • Serve the pepper poppers hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or blue cheese dressing.

Conclusion:

Pepper popper fingers are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you prefer a classic cheese-stuffed pepper or something more adventurous, these pepper poppers are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So, get creative and experiment with different flavors and fillings to create your own unique pepper popper fingers recipe.

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