Stuffed Hot Cherry Pepper Poppers

These Cherry Pepper Poppers are stuffed with a delicious herb & garlic cheese filling and then baked until bubbling and golden. This recipe is great finger food for parties and entertaining!

Ingredients

• 1/3 lb Italian sausage
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup packed parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp minced scallion
• 3 tbsp minced parsley
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 10 oz fresh hot cherry peppers (you can also use pickled cherry peppers in a jar)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2. Prepare the Sausage

1. Heat Skillet:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Sausage:
   Remove the meat from the sausage casing and crumble the sausage into the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and crispy. Let cool slightly then chop into smaller pieces.

3. Mix the Filling

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, parmesan, scallion, parsley, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Add Egg:
   Stir in the egg until the mixture is well combined.

4. Prepare the Peppers

1. Halve and Clean:
   Halve the cherry peppers and remove the seeds and ribs with a melon baller or a small spoon. Be careful when handling hot peppers as they can irritate your skin and eyes. Wearing gloves is recommended.

5. Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill Peppers:
   Stuff each cherry pepper half with a generous scoop of the filling mixture, pressing it in firmly to ensure it stays in place.

6. Bake

1. Arrange and Roast:
   Place the stuffed peppers on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the peppers are softened and the filling is golden brown on top.

7. Garnish and Serve

1. Cool and Garnish:
   Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional minced parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
2. Serve:
   Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Poppers

• Cheese Variations: Add shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese to the filling for a different flavor.
• Spice Level: You can adjust the spice level by choosing milder or hotter cherry peppers or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Serving Suggestions: These poppers pair wonderfully with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.

These Stuffed Hot Cherry Pepper Poppers will surely be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy peppers and creamy savory filling in every bite!