Jalapeño Poppers & Spicy Pineapple Magaritas

Spice up your gathering with this exciting combination of Jalapeño Poppers and a Spicy Pineapple Margarita. The Jalapeño Poppers are a perfect blend of creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and zesty spices, all baked to perfection in fresh jalapeño halves. Pair these with a Spicy Pineapple Margarita, featuring caramelized pineapple, fresh lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño heat, for a refreshing and bold cocktail that complements the poppers beautifully. This duo is ideal for parties, game nights, or any occasion that calls for a deliciously spicy treat. Chefleen Says: Taste your jalapeño before adding to drink!

What You Need — For the Jalapeño Poppers

6 jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

4 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 scallions, minced

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 tablespoon Panko bread crumbs

What You Need — For the Spicy Pineapple Margarita

1 and 1/2 ounces tequila

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce pineapple juice

1/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1/4 cup brown sugar

Jalapeño

Ice

Additional brown sugar, salt, chili for the rim (optional)

What You Do — For the Jalapeño Poppers

1. Salt insides of jalapeños. Turn over flesh side down and bake at 425°F for 8 – 10 minutes.

2. Prepare fillings by combining cheeses, bacon, scallions, spices, panko, and lime juice.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Let jalapeños cool before filling generously with stuffing.

5. Return to oven for 10 – 12 minutes until filling is cooked through and top is brown.

6. Let cool slightly before serving.

What You Do — For the Spicy Pineapple Margarita

1. Caramelize pineapple by heating brown sugar and a touch of water in a skillet. Add pineapple and cook for 3 – 4 minutes, until soft. If you want extra spice, add in small pieces of jalapeños at this point. Let cool.

2. Prepare rimmed glass by using lime around edge of glass and then dipping in sugar, chili, salt mixture.

3. In a shaker or large glass combine lime juice, tequila, 3 – 4 chunks of pineapple, 1 teaspoon of the syrup, and ice.

4. Stir or shake.

5. Strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with additional pineapple.