Hoppin' Jalapeno Poppers
By
Melissa Varady
@mvaradyteach
1
*Read the warning before making this recipe!*
Ingredients
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12large jalapeno peppers with stems (fresh peppers are a bit less spicy)
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4 ozmonterey jack or cheddar cheese
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OR
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4 ozcream cheese, left in freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour
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·flour for dredging (about 1/3 cup)
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2eggs, separated
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1/2 cvegetable oil
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·ranch dressing for dipping
How to Make Hoppin' Jalapeno Poppers
- Place peppers in a bowl and add scalding water to cover. Place a lid on the bowl. Let stand for 1 hour, replacing hot water halfway through.
- *WARNING: Wear gloves on your hands for next two or three steps. Capsaicin is no joke and will burn your hands for HOURS.*
Leave stems on peppers. Slit peppers down one side and remove seeds. Place one slice of cheese or cream cheese (cut 1/2" thick) inside each pepper, dredge in flour, and place on plate. - Heat the oil over medium heat.
Beat the egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. In a separate bowl, beat the whites until they stand in peaks. Fold the yolks into the whites. - Dip each pepper into the egg mixture until well coated. Fry immediately in the hot oil and cook 4-6 minutes per side, flipping carefully. After flipping, spoon oil over any uncooked areas. Cook until golden brown. I cook these in small batches of about 4 peppers each and place the poppers on a clean plate covered with a paper towel.
- Serve immediately with ranch dipping sauce. Cream cheese poppers would also be good with some kind of sauce made with raspberry jelly.