Mackerel Jalapeño Poppers

Add this recipe to your next game day tailgate!! These poppers are going to be a hit among all friends and family in attendance. So easy to put together and can be done on a grill, smoker, or oven. All the goodness of a classic homemade jalapeno popper, but with the protein-packed and flavorful addition of Safe Catch Wild Mackerel.

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Mackerel Jalapeño Poppers

Recipe Credit

Kayla Perrett

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Serves:

3-4

Prep Time:

5-10 mins

Cook Time:

20-22 mins

Mackerel Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients

8-12 Medium/Large-sized Jalapeño Peppers
1 Can of Safe Catch Wild Mackerel
8 oz. Softened Cream Cheese
1 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Paprika
Salt & Pepper to Taste
1 C. of Your Favorite Shredded or Grated Cheese
Freshly Chopped Parsley & Red Pepper Flakes for Garnish

Tools you'll need

Fork
Mixing Dish
Spoon
Measuring Spoons
Knife
Cutting Board
Grill or Oven
Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper if using oven
Disposable Cooking Gloves (Optional)

Instructions

If you’re using your oven, prep your oven to 400 or your grill or smoker to 350 degrees.
Next, prepare your Safe Catch Mackerel by opening the tin and flaking the fish with the oil until everything is combined. Add this mixture to your mixing dish.
Add in your cream cheese and use a fork to mash the cream cheese into the mackerel until both are evenly combined together. Add in your seasonings and set aside.
Before slicing each jalapeno in half, place your cooking gloves on. Then, slice each jalapeño in half and carefully remove the seeds/insides.
Set each jalapeño on a parchment paper-lined baking tray if using an oven OR on a tray or plate to transfer to your grill.
Use a spoon or your hands (I find this easier) to distribute your mackerel and cream cheese filling into each of the pepper halves.
If grilling or smoking, you can gently lay them on your grill or smoker and cook on low, until cooked to desired tenderness.
Generally, keep your grill or smoker at 250 – 300 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes.
If using an oven, add the peppers WITHOUT the shredded cheese to your oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until desired tenderness.
Remove poppers and top them each with your shredded cheese.
Return to oven for another minute or two until cheese is nice and melty.
Remove, let cool a bit, and top with your herbs + some red pepper flakes if you wish and enjoy them!

SERVING SUGGESTION

This recipe would be super easy to double for a large party or would be a great idea for an easy appetizer, too! Try dipping these poppers in Ranch Dip or buffalo sauce!

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