Poblano-Stuffed Bacon -Wrapped "Lazy" Poppers

Submitted by Vicki Kaye

"A real taste explosion! This is a variation on a Rachel Ray recipe for jalapeno poppers. However jalapenos sound too hot to me to enjoy the rest of the flavors, so I substituted poblanos--hence the name since the larger pepper must lay on it's side! It still works great on the grill--though you might want it on a perforated pan so the bacon on the bottom doesn't get too black. The bacon doesn't always wrap around the size of the pepper, so I used toothpicks to hold in place. My family likes turkey bacon and sausage, but adjust to your taste."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 6-8 peppers
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 lb turkey sausage, sweet Italian
• 6 -8 poblano peppers
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1⁄4 cup sour cream
• 6 -8 slices turkey bacon

directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon--about 7 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.
2. Wash peppers. Cut a slit lengthwise on one side of each pepper, and then carve about a quarter inch of pepper out alongside this slit so your fingers can barely fit inches It's a bit tricky, but gently using the flexibility of the pepper and the narrow opening, I was able to wash out the seeds and membranes without breaking the pepper, while also providing enough room for the filling.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, and sour cream until well combined. Stir in the cooled sausage.
4. Using a small spoon, stuff the peppers with the cream cheese mixture. Wrap each pepper with bacon and secure with toothpick by inserting pick into both pepper and bacon to hold. If it doesn't come close to wrapping around, just drape it over the top (where filling is), and secure.
5. Preheat grill to medium. Brush grates with vegetable oil. Set peppers on grill. Cover and cook until peppers are tender and bacon is crisp--about 30 minutes.
6. Enjoy!