Cheesy Jalapeno Bacon Poppers

By drinkfairy

Ingredients

• 12 Jalapeno Pepper (tops removed
• very thoroughly cored and seeded)
• 2 cups White Tequila
• 1 cup Cream Cheese (softened)
• 3 slices Crispy Bacon (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Finely Chopped Chives
• 1/2 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
• Salt
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 cups Masa Harina (corn flour)
• 2 1/2 cups Water (plus more as needed)
• Canola Oil (for frying)
• Hot Ranch Sauce
• 1 cup Ranch Dressing
• 2 tablespoons Buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (plus more to taste)
• Salt
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Details

Servings 1
Cooking time 30mins
Adapted from abc.go.com

Preparation

Step 1

1

12 Jalapeno Pepper (tops removed, very thoroughly cored and seeded)
2 cups White Tequila

Soak the prepped Jalapeno Peppers in White Tequila for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Drain and dry, reserving the now Jalapeno-infused Tequila for another use.

2

Preheat oil to 350°F.

3

1 cup Cream Cheese (softened)
3 slices Crispy Bacon (chopped)
2 tablespoons Finely Chopped Chives
1/2 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
Salt
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

In a medium bowl, stir together the Cream Cheese, Bacon, Chives, Chili Powder and season with Salt & Pepper. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or zip top bag to make filling easier.

4

Canola Oil (for frying)

Fill each Jalapeno with the mixture.

5

2 cups Masa Harina (corn flour)
Chili Powder
Salt
1 teaspoon Water (plus more as needed)

In another bowl, stir together the Masa, Chili Powder and 1 teaspoon Salt until evenly combined. Stir in water to form a batter, adding a small amount of water as needed to thin.

6

stuffed Jalapenos
prepared Batter

Dip the stuffed Jalapenos in the batter to coat completely then carefully place in the oil to fry. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until rich golden brown. Using a metal spider or slotted metal spoon, remove to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.

7

Serve warm with the Hot Ranch Sauce.

8

1 cup Ranch Dressing
2 tablespoons Buttermilk
1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (plus more to taste)
Salt
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

For Hot Ranch Sauce: Stir together the ingredients until evenly combined. Adjust season and spice to taste with Salt, Pepper and hot sauce.

Helpful Tips:
1. Make sure to remove the ribs and seeds of the jalapeno to keep it from being too spicy.
2. Transfer mixture to piping bag or zip top bag to make filling easier
3. As an alternative to the masa flour, use regular corn flour
4. Soak the jalapenos in tequila, and then save the tequila. It removes some of the heat, and makes a great infused tequila for margaritas.