Banana Peppers With Cream Cheese And Bacon
When it comes to appetizers, few things are as satisfying as a plate of stuffed banana peppers. These zesty, tangy peppers are the perfect vehicle for all sorts of delicious fillings, from spicy sausage and rice to cheesy spinach and artichoke. But today, we're taking things up a notch with a recipe for banana peppers stuffed with creamy, savory cream cheese and salty, smoky bacon. Trust us - this is one appetizer that you won't be able to resist.
Ingredients
- 10-12 large banana peppers
- 1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
- 4-5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Wash the banana peppers and pat them dry. Cut off the stems and slit each pepper down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside of each pepper.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Using a spoon, carefully fill each pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to fill the entire pepper, but don't overstuff or the filling may spill out during baking.
5. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers start to soften and the filling is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
If you're feeling adventurous, there are all sorts of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add a bit of chopped jalapeño or hot sauce to make these peppers extra spicy.
- Swap out the bacon for cooked chorizo or Italian sausage for a meatier filling.
- Replace the parsley with chopped fresh cilantro for a zesty, Mexican-inspired twist.
- Use a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese for a cheesier filling.
Conclusion
Whether you're serving these creamy, smoky, and tangy stuffed banana peppers as an appetizer at your next party or just enjoying them as a snack, we guarantee they'll be a hit. So go ahead and give this recipe a try - your taste buds will thank you!
