Bacon Jalapeno Popper Puffs

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Description

If you enjoy the gut-bombs that are classic, bacon-wrapped, jalapeno poppers, I think you’ll love these shockingly light puffs. All the same flavors are there, especially when served with the easy cream cheese dip, and the prep is much easier.

Ingredients

  • 4 strips bacon
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup creme fraiche or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons minced green onions, plus some for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon bacon fat
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ounces shredded extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup finely diced jalapeno peppers
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying, or as needed

Instructions

  1. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat
  2. turning occasionally
  3. until evenly browned and crisp
  4. about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Crumble or finely chop. Drain fat from skillet
  5. reserving 1 tablespoon.
  6. Mix cream cheese
  7. creme fraiche
  8. green onions
  9. and lime juice together in a bowl. If mixture seems too thick
  10. add enough water to thin it to your preferred consistency.
  11. Place skillet over medium-high heat. Add cold water
  12. butter
  13. reserved bacon fat
  14. and salt. Bring mixture to a simmer; reduce heat to medium. Pour in flour all at once. Stir to mix and mash with a wooden spoon until dough starts to pull together
  15. 2 to 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  16. When dough is cool
  17. whisk in 1 egg. Mixture will separate slightly. Continue whisking in first egg until mixture pulls back together. Repeat with the second egg. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add diced jalapeno
  18. bacon pieces
  19. shredded cheese
  20. cayenne pepper
  21. and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spatula. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool
  22. 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  23. Heat oil in deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
  24. Using a small scoop
  25. scoop out rounds of dough. Drop rounds of dough into hot oil and cook until golden brown and cooked through
  26. 3 to 4 minutes. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer to a cooling rack.
  27. serve with dipping sauce garnished with a few green onion slices.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 8

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