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Fresno Poppers

These Fresno Poppers blend the perfect medium heat with a rich, creamy cheese filling for an irresistible appetizer. Baked instead of fried, they come together quickly and are ideal for game days, parties, or any casual gathering. The recipe is versatile too—you can swap peppers or skip the bacon for a vegetarian twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 Fresno chili peppers halved and deseeded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices turkey bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions for garnish
  • cooking spray or olive oil for lightly coating the poppers before baking

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Spoon or piping bag

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high heat helps soften the peppers while keeping the cheese filling molten.
  2. Slice each Fresno pepper lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
  3. Arrange the pepper halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and shredded Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using, fold in the crumbled turkey bacon.
  6. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pepper half, forming generous mounds of filling.
  7. Lightly spray the filled peppers with cooking oil or drizzle a bit of olive oil over them.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly with golden spots.
  9. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

These Fresno Poppers combine medium heat with a rich, cheesy filling that perfectly complements the fruity flavor of the peppers. The baking method yields a tender pepper with a bubbly, golden cheese topping, making them ideal for gatherings or game days. They are easily adaptable—swap out the peppers or omit the bacon for a vegetarian option—and can be prepped ahead of time for convenience.