Jalapeno Poppers (Baked)
12 large jalapeno peppers
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese or Monterrey Jack
1/4 cup (packed) finely chopped cilantro leaves
1/8 teaspoon salt
Bread crumbs or Parmesan cheese, optional
1. If you have sensitive hands, wear protective rubber or plastic gloves, slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds (this is where the majority of the heat of a jalapeno resides).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cheeses, cilantro and salt until creamy. Spread into halved peppers. Dip the tops of the peppers (the open cheese-stuffed side) in bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Place peppers cheese stuffing up on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and lightly browned on top.