2-BITE PIZZA PEPPER POPPERS
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 poppers
Nutrition Values (Per Serving):
- Calories: 65
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 178mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
For the Poppers:
- 12 large jalapenos, seeded, and cut in half.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jalapeño Peppers:
- Wash the jalapeño peppers and cut them in half lengthwise.
- To lower the heat, remove the seeds and membranes.
- Set aside.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mini pepperoni slices, chopped red onion, green bell pepper, black olives, fresh basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
- Take each jalapeño half and fill it with the cheese and pepperoni mixture.
- Press the filling in gently to ensure it’s tightly packed.
4. Coat the Poppers:
- Make a breading station out of three shallow dishes.
- Place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
- Take each stuffed pepper and dip it into the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly.
- Then, dip it into the beaten eggs and let any excess fall off.
- Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the pepper.
- On a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, spread out the coated poppers.
5. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake the Poppers:
- Lightly spray the coated poppers with cooking spray. This will assist them in becoming crispy and golden brown.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the poppers are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Allow the pizza pepper poppers to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- You can serve them with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 65
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 178mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
These 2-bite pizza pepper poppers are a delicious and spicy appetizer that combines the flavors of pizza in a fun, bite-sized form. They are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a tasty treat. Enjoy!
