Sweet Pepper Jalapeno Poppers

Don't you just love those sweet little bell peppers that are in produce aisles now? Red, orange and yellow.....my favorite colors too! And they are packed with sweetness! Delicious right out of the bag but wait until you taste them as Jalapeno Poppers with a creamy jalapeno filling bursting with cheesiness and spice! Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and Sweet Pepper Jalapeno Poppers are going on my menu! This is absolute perfection in every bite!

Sweet Pepper Jalapeno Poppers

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (4 ounces) fire roasted diced green chiles
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 pkg. (12 ounces) sweet baby bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 Tbs. chopped cilantro

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400F.

2. Combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, green chiles, jalapeno, chipotle, cumin, garlic powder and kosher salt until blended.

3. Spoon mixture into baby bell pepper halves nd arrange on baking sheet.

4. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted.

5. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Makes 12 servings.

TIP: Jalapeno Popper Dip: Prepare filling as directed above and spoon into a baking dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted. Serve with sweet baby bell peppers as the dippers or with your favorite dippers.

Makes 1 1/2 cups dip.