By Brooke McLay
I’ve been to three parties in a two-weekend period, so I know what I’m talking about. There are some things people eat at potluck-style affairs, and there are some things people don’t. We want you to occupy the former—be a bringer of party goods people can’t keep their hands off of. This dish is it. But, first, let me explain why this recipe is one of the best darned party eats you could ever make and share.
Party people tend to follow a pattern with what they pick from the party table. Pull together a dish that offers three basic things, and you’ll be one of those lucky ones heading home with an empty serving platter. Here are the three things that make for a perfect party dish:
- 1) EYE-CATCHING. Vibrant natural colors in a dish (especially contrasting colors) are important for people who want to eat. Make it pretty, and you’ve got a dish everyone will want a slice of.
- 2) FAMILIAR. People at a party don’t want to walk around asking what anything is. They want to look at something and feel like it’s going to taste delicious based on what they already know. They also want something that will taste similar to a favorite thing they already know they like.
- 3) INTERESTING. Put an intriguing flavor rift on a classic dish and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy party dish. You’ll have brought not just the dish everyone wants to taste, but the dish everyone wants to talk about.
This scrumptious little twist on Cream-Cheese Filled Jalapeno Poppers delivers on all three counts, and more! It’s inexpensive to make, easy, and delicious. Prep it in 10 minutes, have it ready for your party in 30! The best part? You can prep these the night before and bake them just before you’re ready to serve! Isn’t it time you got your party popper on?!
Strawberry Jalapeno Poppers
Serves 12
Ingredients
- 8 jalapenos
- 1 (8 ounces) brick cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 bacon bits
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 1/4 cup extra sharp cheese, shredded
- 8 strawberries
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice jalapenos in half, use a spoon to remove to the seeds from each pepper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, bacon bits, onion salt, and 1/3 cup sharp cheese until well mixed. Spoon cream cheese into the center of each jalapeno. Place stuffed peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and cool. Top each jalapeno popper with a strawberry. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onion.