In this case, we’re swapping the cream cheese forpimiento cheese.

Why hadn’t we considered this before?

Prepare peppers:

Halve jalapenos lengthwise.

Southern Living Stuffed Jalapenos on a tray to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Scrape out and discard seeds and membranes.

Stuff peppers:

Spoon pimiento cheese mixture evenly into prepared jalapenos.

Bake stuffed peppers:

Arrange stuffed peppers on prepared baking sheet.

Southern Living Stuffed Jalapenos ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until edges of peppers are lightly browned and cheese is fully melted.

Remove from heat and finely chop.

Sprinkle peppers with bacon and chives before serving.

Southern Living Stuffed Jalapenos lining the pan with foil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos halving and coring the peppers

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Pimento Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos on the baking sheet after sprinkling with bacon and chives

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox