Pork Bellied Poppers Recipes

PORK-BELLIED POPPERS

Steps:

• Slice each jalapeno open lengthwise, then make a small crosswise cut at the stem end to form a T. Gently open the jalapenos and scrape out the seeds and membranes with a knife. Put the jalapenos, milk and 2 cups water in a large bowl and soak 15 minutes, stirring once or twice.
• Meanwhile, mix the cheddar, cream cheese, pulled pork and chili powder in a bowl with your hands until combined. Drain the jalapenos and pat them dry. Stuff 1 to 2 tablespoons cheese filling into each pepper.
• Put the flour in a shallow dish. Whisk the eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt in another dish. Put the breadcrumbs in a third dish. One at a time, hold the peppers by the stems and dredge in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, and roll in the breadcrumbs; dip in the eggs again and reroll in breadcrumbs. Transfer to a plate and refrigerate until the coating sets, about 20 minutes.
• Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 300 degrees F. Fry the jalapenos in batches, turning, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve with barbecue sauce.

ROASTED PEPPER FETA POPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Wrap a 3-foot piece of foil around the center of the pan, scooting it down as best you can.
• Cut the tops off the peppers and hollow out the centers to remove the membranes and seeds. Using a small spoon is easiest. Set aside.
• Add the garlic to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the feta, cream cheese, oil, pepperoncini and juice. Pulse until it is a smooth mixture. Sprinkle in the parsley and oregano, then pulse a few more times until blended. Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed peppers.
• Arrange the peppers so that they are standing up nestled side-by-side in a single layer in the prepared Bundt pan. Bake until the cheese mixture is golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley. Let cool slightly before eating, or serve at room temperature.

CRISPY PORK BELLY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
• Season pork belly all over with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Wrap pork in parchment paper; wrap a second time in aluminum foil, and a third time in another sheet of aluminum foil. Place pork packet in a baking dish.
• Roast in the preheated oven until tender for 6 hours. Let cool in wrappings to room temperature; place cooled packet in refrigerator and chill for 8 hours or overnight.
• Unwrap chilled meat. Save any rendered fat that falls away when unwrapping pork.
• Cut meat into 6 equal-size portions. Cut 1/8-inch by 1/8-inch slashes in the fat-side of the pork. Season with salt.
• Heat 2 tablespoons reserved pork fat in a skillet over medium heat. Place pork belly, fat side down, in hot fat; cook until well-browned on all sides and heated through, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer pork belly to a plate, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper.

PEPPER POPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine cheeses, bacon and seasonings; mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoonfuls into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs., Place in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and peppers are heated through, 15-20 minutes. Serve with sour cream, dip or dressing.

FRIED CHICKEN AND PULLED PORK CORNBREAD POPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Bake popcorn chicken according to package directions. When cool enough to handle, cut chicken into 12 pieces., Meanwhile, prepare cornbread mix according to package directions. Place a jalapeno slice in each of 24 foil-lined mini muffin cups. Fill each cup with 1 tablespoon batter. Gently press a piece of popcorn chicken into the centers of half the cups. Spoon 1 teaspoon pulled pork into the centers of remaining cups., Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Serve with maple syrup; if desired, whisk chili sauce into syrup.