Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

12 fresh jalapeno peppers
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
4oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup diced pimiento peppers, drained
1/4 cup yellow onion, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup panko
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Cut the jalapenos in half lenghtwise and use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and ribs
3. Stir together the cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, pimientos, onion, 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt, paprika, and pepper in a medium bowl.
4. In another bowl stir together the panko, olive oil, and remaining spices
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
6. Fill each pepper half with some of the cheese mixture and place on the parchment lined baking sheet
7. Sprinkle tops with the panko mixture
8. Back until tops are golden brown about 20 minutes
9. Remove from oven and top them with bacon bits and chives