BACON CHEESE POPPERS

Bacon Cheese Poppers image

Guests who head straight for a tray of jalapeno poppers will devour this crowd-pleaser just as fast. The blue cheese-flavored filling is wonderful, but it's the slight crunch from bread crumbs and crumbled bacon that sets them apart from any other version. -Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield about 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

16 jalapeno peppers
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Sour cream or ranch salad dressing

Steps:

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat the cheeses, bacon, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon zest and chili powder. Spoon into pepper halves. Dip tops of stuffed peppers into bread crumbs. , Transfer to 2 greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 77 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 149mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.