Sheriff Johnson’s Stuffed Sausage Peppers

He has been in law enforcement since he was 19 years old.

Dispatcher. Patrol Officer. Investigator. Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson has served in just about every capacity.

Sheriff Johnson shares the cooking duty with his wife.  This is a great appetizer for the holidays or anytime.

Sheriff Johnson’s Stuffed Sausage Peppers

Ingredients:

12 fresh jalapeno peppers

1/2 lb. Italian sausage

8 oz. block cream cheese, softened

1 lb. bacon (this will vary depending on brand)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Wash peppers and slice vertically. Deseed by using a small spoon (unless you want your mouth on fire – I happen to like a little fire). Wear cooking gloves when handling peppers.

Brown and crumble the Italian sausage over medium high heat; mix with cream cheese and set aside.

Stuff each jalapeno half with sausage mixture.

Cut the pound of bacon in half. Wrap each pepper with bacon and bake on a baking sheet for 12 – 15 minutes or until bacon is crispy.