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Savory Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Peppers with Crispy Bacon

cream cheese stuffed banana peppers - featured image
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A quick and easy appetizer featuring banana peppers stuffed with a creamy, seasoned cream cheese filling and wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for entertaining or a satisfying snack with a smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 medium-sized banana peppers, fresh and firm
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat preferred)
  • 12 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Rinse and dry the banana peppers. Slice each pepper lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes.
  3. Lay bacon strips on the baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy but not burnt. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), smoked paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  5. Fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or small spatula.
  6. Wrap each stuffed pepper with a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed. Place on the lined baking sheet spaced apart.
  7. Bake the stuffed, bacon-wrapped peppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until bacon is crispy and filling is hot and slightly golden.
  8. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat peppers dry after seeding to prevent sogginess. Pre-cook bacon to render fat and ensure crispiness. Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped for easier stuffing. Flipping bacon halfway through cooking helps crisp it evenly. For extra smoky flavor, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. To reduce heat, remove seeds and membranes thoroughly or soak peppers in cold water before stuffing.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana peppers, cream cheese, bacon, stuffed peppers, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, party food, quick, savory

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/savory-cream-cheese-stuffed-banana-peppers-with-crispy-bacon-recipe/