BAKED PANKO-ENCRUSTED JALAPEÑO POPPERS

BAKED PANKO-ENCRUSTED JALAPEÑO POPPERS image

Categories Pepper

Yield 64 poppers

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1-2 bunch(es) scallions, green tops chopped and whites reserved for another use
32 jalapeno peppers
4 large eggs
3 cups panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, mayonnaise, and scallions until well combined. 3. Halve jalapenos lengthwise and remove ribs and seeds. Using a small spoon, fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese mixture. 4. Set up the breading station: Crack eggs in a bowl (preferably a shallow one) and stir to blend yolks and whites. Place Panko bread crumbs in a separate shallow dish. 5. Dip stuffed jalapeno halves into eggs,allowing excess liquid to drip off to avoid sogginess. Dip and roll around in panko until evenly coated. 6. Place breaded jalapenos on prepared baking sheet and coat with cooking spray. 7. Bake until filling is bubbly and tops are browned (broil at the end if necessary). This should take 25-30 minutes total.