Jalapeno Bites

Inspired by the Perini Steak House jalapenio bites. We make these for company pretty regularly and they are always the first to go. As far as the heat level is concerned, these are the most mild jalapeno bites I've ever had. Removing the ribs and seeds keeps them tame, in addition to the time the peppers spend baking in the oven. At the end of the day can anything wrapped in bacon really be bad? :)

These are very "make ahead" friendly. We will often get them prepped a few hours before we have guests and put them in the oven as people arrive. 

INGREDIENTS:

12 jalapenos

1 pound hickory smoked bacon sliced in half

8 oz cream cheese

Round toothpicks

Step 1: Cut off the stem and tip of the jalapenos then slice them in 1/2 to 3/4 inch rounds. 

Step 2: Cut out the seeds and ribs (the more you leave the spicier it will be)

Step 3: Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeno slice with cream cheese.

Step 4: Slice the bacon in half. Wrap each jalapeno with bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Step 5: Line a cookie sheet with a silpat and place a rack over the silpat. Arrange the jalapeno bites in a single layer so that they aren't touching. 

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375. Bake the jalapeno bites for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

Baking the bites on the rack allows the bacon to crisp up on all sides. The silpat catches all the bacon drippings leaving for much easier clean up. Try these next time you have company coming over, you won't be disappointed.