Pepper Poppers

Submitted By: Marie Delffs

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (4 ounces) sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (4 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

Sour cream-and-onion dip or ranch salad dressing

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine cheeses, bacon, and seasonings; mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs. Place on a greased 15-x-10-x-1-inch baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 300° for 20 minutes for spicy flavor, 30 minutes for medium flavor, and 40 minutes for mild flavor. Serve with sour cream-and-onion dip or ranch dressing.

Hint: When cutting or deseeding the jalapeño peppers, use rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands. Avoid touching your face or eyes.