Stuffed jalapeños are a healthy and fresh alternative to the popular breaded and fried version. They make the perfect appetizers, but you can also serve them as side dishes to accompany lunch or dinner. There are and endless variety of combinations available to stuff your jalapenos, so get creative! Below is our basic cheese recipe to get your started.

Ingredients

• 18 jalapeños (larger straight ones work best)
• 4 oz. cream cheese (or other soft cheese)
• 1/4 C. cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 C. bread chunks, cut or broken into small pieces
• 1/4 C. diced red bell pepper
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut off stem end of jalapeños. Remove the membrane and seeds completely. NOTE: Be careful not to touch your eyes or face, as the pepper juice can sting. It may help to wear latex gloves to protect your hands.
2. Mix half of the cheddar cheese and all other ingredients together. Stuff filling into each jalapeño and arrange on the chili pepper rack.
3. Top each stuffed chili pepper with the remaining cheddar cheese.
4. Cook on a covered grill by indirect heat for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (191°C), or until peppers are soft and lose their bright green color. For spicier poppers, cook a few minutes less.
5. Enjoy piping hot!

Yield: 18 poppers

Our Charcoal Companion Non-Stick Chili Pepper Rack & Corer Set makes coring the peppers quick and easy while the stand prevents cheese and stuffing from falling out!

Recipe courtesy of:
~Jane Rabanal, The Companion Group Product & Packaging Designer

The Companion Group

The Companion Group has been a leading manufacturer of barbecue tools, accessories, and other products for cooking outdoors for over 30 years. Its family of brands include Charcoal Companion®, Pizzacraft®, Steven Raichlen™, Patio Companion®, and introducing Not In My Backyard™. In 2014 The Companion Group adopted an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to incorporate an employee-owner method that provides employees with an ownership interest in the company.