Jalapeño Popper Potato Gratin Recipe 475

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by an inch. Season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, then mash briefly with a potato masher, so that there is a mix of mashed and chunky potatoes.
• Meanwhile, heat a nonstick skillet over a medium heat until hot, then add the bacon and cook, turning every so often, until crisp, about 8 minutes.
• Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop.
• Tip the potatoes into a large bowl. Add the salt, cheese, mayonnaise, jalapenos and jalapeno brine, mustard, pepper, eggs, scallions and gherkins. Fold everything together.
• Serve the potato salad warm, or cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
• Top with the bacon and more scallions before serving.

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Spoon this mixture into the jalapeno pepper halves.
• Put the milk and flour into two separate small bowls. Dip the stuffed jalapenos first into the milk then into the flour, making sure they are well coated with each. Allow the coated jalapenos to dry for about 10 minutes.
• Dip the jalapenos in milk again and roll them through the breadcrumbs. Allow them to dry, then repeat to ensure the entire surface of the jalapeno is coated.
• In a medium skillet, heat the oil to 365 degrees F ( 180 degrees C). Deep fry the coated jalapenos 2 to 3 minutes each, until golden brown. Remove and let drain on a paper towel.

Steps:

• Cook the bacon, set aside on paper towels to drain and crumble when cool. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, cook until frothy, sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, until a light golden brown. Mix in the milk and simmer, stirring, until it starts to thicken before adding the cheese, cooking until melted and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Spread some of the cheese sauce in the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan topped with layers of potatoes, cheese sauce, bacon and sliced jalapenos all finally topped with the cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until the potatoes are tender, the sides are bubbling and the cheese on top is a light golden brown, about 45 minutes. OPTIONS: Top with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Assemble the gratin the day before and just bake on the day of.