If you're looking for a spicy and flavorful appetizer to impress your guests, look no further than 2 pieces (48 g) Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers! And at only 130 calories per serving, this delicious treat won't ruin your diet.

These stuffed peppers are made with fresh jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and baked to perfection. They're a great source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Each serving contains 6 grams of protein and only 11 grams of fat, making them a healthy and tasty snack option.

In this article, we'll explore some ways to prepare stuffed jalapeño peppers, health benefits, flavor profile, common pairings, variations, storage information, and serving suggestions.

Calories per Serving

These stuffed peppers are a tasty and low-calorie snack option. If you're watching your weight or trying to eat healthily, this appetizer is an excellent choice. Choosing a low-calorie appetizer like stuffed jalapeño peppers can help you avoid overeating during the main course. You can enjoy a few of these spicy treats without any guilt, knowing that you're making a smart food choice. By choosing low-calorie foods like stuffed jalapeño peppers, you can stay on track with your diet and reach your health goals.

Serving Size

If you're craving something spicy and cheesy, these stuffed peppers are a great choice. The serving size of 2 pieces (48 g) is perfect for a snack, and you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more for your guests. If you're serving stuffed jalapeño peppers as an appetizer, plan on serving 2-3 pieces per person. You can adjust the serving size to suit your needs, depending on how many other appetizers you're serving. Remember that these peppers are spicy, so you may want to offer some mild snacks as well for your guests who don't enjoy heat.

Ingredients

To make stuffed jalapeño peppers, you'll need fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, salt, and paprika. You can also add other ingredients like bacon, onion, or herbs to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Make sure you choose fresh and ripe jalapeños that are not too spicy. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese should be at room temperature for easy mixing. You can find jalapeño peppers and other ingredients easily at your local grocery store. If you want to save time, you can also use pre-made jalapeño peppers that are available in many supermarkets.

Preparation Instructions

To make stuffed jalapeño peppers, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Wash the jalapeños and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, and paprika. Mix the ingredients well to form a thick and creamy mixture. Fill each jalapeño shell with the cheese mixture, taking care not to overstuff them. Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Health Benefits

Jalapeño peppers are not only spicy and delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your body. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps protect your cells from damage and strengthen your immune system. Jalapeño peppers also contain capsaicin, a compound that gives them their heat and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Capsaicin can help reduce pain and inflammation, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve your digestive health. As for the cheese stuffing, it contains calcium, protein, and healthy fats that can help nourish your bones, muscles, and brain. However, it's important to consume cheese in moderation, as it's also high in calories and sodium.

Flavor Profile

Stuffed jalapeño peppers have a robust and savory flavor that combines spicy, tangy, and creamy notes. The jalapeños bring heat and freshness to the dish, while the cream cheese and cheddar cheese provide richness and tanginess. The garlic, paprika, and other spices add depth and complexity to the flavor, making the peppers taste bold and satisfying. The crunchiness of the jalapeño shell contrasts with the softness of the stuffing, creating a fun and exciting texture. Stuffed jalapeño peppers pair well with many foods and drinks, such as beer, wine, margaritas, tacos, nachos, and more. They're versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, depending on the occasion.

Common Pairings

Stuffed jalapeño peppers are a versatile and delicious appetizer that can pair well with many foods and drinks. They're perfect for game nights, outdoor barbecues, or any other occasion when you want to serve something spicy and flavorful. If you're serving stuffed jalapeño peppers as an appetizer, pair them with a light and refreshing drink like beer, wine, or margaritas. The acidity and bubbles of the drinks can cut through the richness and spiciness of the peppers and balance out the flavors. If you're serving stuffed jalapeño peppers as a side dish, pair them with other Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes like quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. The peppers can complement the flavors and textures of the other dishes and make your meal more exciting and interesting.

Variations

One of the great things about stuffed jalapeño peppers is that you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and creativity. You can experiment with different ingredients like bacon, onion, garlic, herbs, or even fruits like pineapple or mango. By adding or omitting ingredients, you can create new flavor profiles and surprises for your guests. You can also try different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist. If you want to change the texture of the stuffed peppers, you can try grilling or frying them instead of baking. Grilling can add a smoky and charred flavor to the peppers, while frying can make them crunchy and crispy.

Storage Information

If you have leftover stuffed jalapeño peppers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure you wrap them tightly and label them with the date and contents. To reheat the peppers, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until warm and bubbly. Alternatively, you can microwave the peppers for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Avoid freezing stuffed jalapeño peppers, as they're likely to become soggy and lose their texture and flavor. If you want to freeze some jalapeños, freeze the raw peppers before stuffing them and use them within a month.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed jalapeño peppers are a fun and flavorful appetizer or side dish that can make any occasion more exciting. You can serve them on their own or with other snacks like chips and salsa or guacamole. If you're serving stuffed jalapeño peppers as an appetizer, arrange them on a serving platter with some cilantro or chopped tomatoes for garnish. You can also drizzle some sour cream or hot sauce on top for added flavor and creaminess. If you're serving stuffed jalapeño peppers as a side dish, pair them with other Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, nachos, or burritos. You can create a colorful and festive table setting by using vibrant tablecloths or plates and decorating with chili peppers or sombreros.