Hot Devils

Hot Devils – Irresistible Appetizer with Roasted Peppers, Cream Cheese, and Bacon

Looking for an appetizer that will impress your party guests? Look no further! The Hot Devils recipe is a perfect combination of the sweet flavor of roasted peppers, the creaminess of cheese, and the crunchy texture of bacon. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a true star on the holiday table.

A brief story about the recipe

It is said that appetizers with roasted peppers have become popular in many cultures over time, each adding its own personal touch. The inspiration behind Hot Devils is not only related to taste but also to the tradition of combining simple ingredients in an innovative way. This appetizer quickly became a favorite due to its simplicity and the explosion of flavors it offers.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 40 pieces

Ingredients:

- 20 long hot peppers (choose sweet ones and not too spicy)
- 200 g cream cheese (choose flavored or plain cream cheese)
- 20 long and thin slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step by step – Your guide to Hot Devils

1. Preparing the peppers
Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Place the long hot peppers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the skin becomes black and slightly charred. This process will intensify the flavor and make the skin easier to peel.

2. Steaming the peppers
Once the peppers are roasted, remove them from the oven and immediately place them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag for 10 minutes. This step is essential as the steam will help loosen the charred skin.

3. Peeling the peppers
After steaming, peel the peppers and cut them in half, removing the stems and seeds. It is important to be careful during this step to avoid tearing the peppers and to keep them as whole as possible.

4. Filling the peppers
In the center of each half of the pepper, place a teaspoon of cream cheese. Make sure the cheese is at room temperature so it will be easier to spread.

5. Wrapping with bacon
Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each half of the cream cheese-filled pepper with bacon. Placing the bacon with the edge down on the tray is crucial to prevent it from unraveling in the oven. If desired, you can use toothpicks to secure the bacon.

6. Seasoning
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the appetizers. This will add an extra layer of flavor and contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers and cheese.

7. Final baking
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 45 minutes at 180 °C. The bacon will become crispy, and the cheese will melt, blending all the flavors into a delicious ensemble.

8. Glazing with honey
At the end of the 45 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and brush the Hot Devils with a tablespoon of honey. This will add a sweet note and an appetizing shine. Put them back in the oven for 5 minutes.

9. Serving
Hot Devils are served immediately, warm, as an appetizer. They are delicious alongside a refreshing drink or a dry white wine.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the peppers: Look for sweet peppers that are not too spicy. If you want a bit of heat, add a few hot peppers alongside the sweet ones.
- The cheese: You can experiment with different types of cream cheese, such as goat cheese or herb cheese, to achieve varied flavors.
- The bacon: For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or turkey ham, although the taste will be different.
- Variations: Try adding chopped fresh herbs to the cream cheese for an extra flavor boost. You can use dill, parsley, or chives.

Nutritional benefits
This appetizer is a good source of protein due to the bacon and cheese, but the hot peppers are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. However, consume in moderation, considering the fat content in bacon.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, but make sure the chosen cheese melts well.
- What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them the next day.
- Can I prepare these Hot Devils in advance? It is recommended to prepare them fresh, but if you want to prepare them ahead of time, bake them and store them in the fridge. You can easily reheat them before serving.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Hot Devils will surely be a hit at your next party. Enjoy!