Jalapeno Poppers

I was asked to submit my favorite recipe that includes bacon for a chance to win the Denny’s/Foodbuzz BACONALIA challenge, and I knew exactly which recipe would be perfect for the challenge. I had to participate, because really, who doesn’t love bacon? I have posted this recipe before, but now that the weather is warming up and barbecue season is quickly approaching, it’s worth mentioning again. We cooked out burgers for the first time this last weekend, and this is always a big deal in our house because it means that winter is over and it’s time to start a new season of having friends over and cooking out on the patio. Good times. These make an appearance at just about every cookout we have because they are amazing. I could eat a dozen by myself (though I try not to let anyone see me do it.) No matter how many of these you make, you will never make enough. You will be shocked at how fast they disappear. These are downright sinful, but oh, so good. Even my three year old inhales them. Everyone who eats them raves about them. Try them next time you have a barbecue and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. You could make these on the grill if you want, but I prefer making them in the oven because the nice and crispy bacon puts these over the top.

Jason’s Jalapeno Poppers

2 dozen jalapenos

2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese

1 pkg. hot breakfast sausage

1 pkg. sliced bacon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Seed jalapenos and remove the tops. Slice each jalapeno lengthwise in half. Brown sausage and drain. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Stuff jalapenos with cream cheese mixture and place halves on a broiler pan. Slice bacon into thirds and top each jalapeno with a slice of bacon. Bake for 25 minutes on the middle rack in the oven. Increase heat to broil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until bacon is crisp.