Description
Fresno Poppers are a spicy, cheesy appetizer made with fresh Fresno chiles stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, then wrapped in bacon or baked until golden and bubbly. They’re a twist on classic jalapeño poppers but with a slightly sweeter heat. Perfect for entertaining or snacking!
Ingredients
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10 Fresno peppers, halved and deseeded
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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10 slices of bacon, halved (optional, for wrapping)
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Cooking spray or olive oil (if baking without bacon)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Spoon the cheese mixture into each halved Fresno pepper.
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(Optional) Wrap each stuffed pepper with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
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Arrange the peppers on the baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil if not using bacon.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
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Fresno peppers are milder than jalapeños, with a bit of sweetness. You can substitute with jalapeños if preferred.
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For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese filling.
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To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and brush with olive oil before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg