Make Your Game Day Menu Pop: Pizza Jalapeño Poppers

Even though football season has come to a close, basketball season is in full swing, and there are still plenty of games to bring family and friends together. And while most fans are gearing up to root for their favorite team, I’m getting hyped just thinking about planning my game day menus! Hey, I may not know who plays power forward for Milwaukee, but I sure know a thing or two about creating an amazingly delicious and memorable game day spread. If you’re looking for an easy, talk-of-the-party appetizer for your menu, then let me introduce you to my first round pick: Pizza Jalapeño Poppers! Loaded with savory sausage, pepperoni, fresh peppers and cheese, they pack in all the scrumptious flavors of a fully loaded supreme pizza in a bite. Now, don’t let the heat of the jalapeño scare you: the coolness of the cream cheese and the signature zest of Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® dressing balance everything out perfectly. All the more reason to pop these little guys one after the other! Just like a regular pizza, these little pizza poppers are easy to customize and the recipe is pretty much fail-proof. Want more peppers and onions? Throw them in there! Love pepperoni? Add in more to suit your taste! I must warn you, though: they are super addictive and sure to disappear quickly! Pizza Jalapeño Poppers Serves: 12–16 poppers Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Product: Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing INGREDIENTS: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened ¾ cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled ½ cup small-diced pepperoni ½ cup small-diced green pepper ¼ cup small-diced onions 2 tablespoons black olives, diced ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons pizza sauce 2 tablespoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 12–16 jalapeño peppers, sliced in half lengthwise, seeded and membranes removed INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 425°. Place all ingredients from the cream cheese through the Italian seasoning in a large bowl, and stir until well combined.  Taste mixture and add in extra toppings or seasonings if desired. Divide mixture between the jalapeño halves, packing it into the cavity. If the jalapeños are small, you may need more to use up all of the filling. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Let cool and serve. For more diva-licious dishes to suit any party, visit Monique at Divas Can Cook.