Stuffed & Grilled Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients:

( * ) Indicates product brands sold at Orchard Nutrition Center

• 16 Jalapeno Peppers; halved and seeds removed

• 2 tbsp Chopped Tomato

• 2 tbsp Chopped Red Onion

• 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Cilantro

• 1/4 cup Minced Green Onion

• 1 Small Minced Garlic Clove

• 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice from a Lime 

• 1/4 tsp Salt *Redmond Real Salt ancient sea salt (fine) 

• 8 ounces Softened Cream Cheese *Organic Valley cream cheese 

• 1/2 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese *Organic Valley Thick Cut - off the block - extra sharp cheddar cheese 

• 4 Bacon Slices *Niman Ranch Apple Wood Smoked Uncured Bacon 

• Cooking Spray *Field Day Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray 

Directions:

1. Prep Vegetables:

   • Half the Jalapenos and remove seeds and innards. Set aside.

   • Garnish: Cut Tomato in half horizontally and scoop out seeds. Dice remaining tomato finely and set aside in small bowl. Cut and dice red onion into small pieces. Set aside with tomato in same bowl. Chop fresh cilantro, add to bowl with tomato and onion. 

   • Filling: Mince garlic clove, put in medium bowl, chop green onion, put in bowl with garlic. 

2. Cook the Bacon:

   • Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crispy, but not burnt. Place cooked bacon on paper towels to cool. Once cooled enough to touch chop the bacon into bits.

3. Prepare Filling:

   • In the medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, salt, and lime juice with the green onion and garlic already in the bowl. Mix together until mixture is evenly combined.

4. Fill & Grill:

   • Preheat your grill or grill pad to medium-high heat. Using a butter knife fill the halved jalapenos with the cheese filling mixture. Press the mixture down into the jalapeno so it is packed full. Do not over fill, level off the mixture so it is even with sides.

   • Place stuffed jalapenos cheese side up on the grill rack or pan. (Use cooking spray to prevent sticking). Cover and grill for 8 minutes or until the bottom of the jalapenos are blistered and the cheese filling is lightly browned.

5. Garnish & Enjoy:

   • Remove the cooked jalapenos and place on plate or platter, Garnish tops of stuffed jalapenos with the tomato, red onion and cilantro and enjoy!

Tip: If after you fill your Jalapenos there is left over filling save to use as a spread on your toast or favorite bagel!