Bacon-Apple-Jalapeno Pop ‘Ems
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package light cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and minced
- 3 large scallions, roots sliced off, green and white parts minced finely
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 20 jalapenos
- 20 strips thin-sliced bacon, chopped in half
- Special equipment: 40 toothpicks
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
In a large bowl, stir and break down the cream cheese until smooth. Add the apples and scallions, plus as much salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like.
Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise, and then either slice out the membranes or use a measuring spoon to scoop them out. Discard the seeds.
Either using a teaspoon or a small icing spatula, fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture; fill until just over the rim of the jalapeno. Wrap each pepper with a bacon half and secure with a toothpick. Line up the pop ‘ems on the prepared baking sheet and pop into the oven until bacon has browned on the bottom, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes.