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queso-filled mini peppers

crowd-pleasing queso-filled mini peppers

Adapted from a recipe by Emily Nabors Hall as featured in Southern Living.

Forget the tortilla chips & queso dip. Try these handheld treats instead. Can be made gluten-free. And low-carb.

Servings 10 servings
Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

  • 2 16-ounce packages mini sweet peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños (see Recipe Notes)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat broiler on HIGH with the oven rack about 5 inches from heat. Toss the peppers with oil and salt; arrange them in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.  Broil until the tops are lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes.  Let cool to room temperature for 30 minutes.  Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F.

  2. Using the same foil-lined baking sheet, flip over each pepper so that the charred side is on the bottom.  Cut and remove the top third of each pepper from stem end to tip.  Reserve the cut-off piece for another use.  Scoop out the membranes and seeds, and discard.  Drain off any excess moisture.

  3. Whisk together the pepper Jack cheese and milk in the top of a double boiler over simmering water.  Whisk until smooth for 3 to 4 minutes.  Remove from heat; stir in the cream cheese and chopped jalapeños.  Spoon about a teaspoon of cheese mixture into each pepper; adjust accordingly depending on the size of the pepper.  Do not overfill.  Bake until the tops are golden for 10 to 12 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium.  Add the panko and black pepper; cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3 more minutes.  Sprinkle the filled mini peppers with the panko mixture and chopped cilantro.

Recipe Notes

To Make Ahead:  Place filled peppers in a baking dish; cover and chill 1 day. Bake, covered, at 425˚F for 10 minutes, and then uncover and bake 3 more minutes. Top with panko mixture and cilantro.

A Note on the Pickled Jalapeños: The jalapeños give the final dish quite a bit of kick. If you're not into that, replace them with chopped mild banana rings or sweet pickled pepper. Or if you prefer more heat, use chopped fresh jalapeños instead.