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Lightened-Up Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

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These lightened-up bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers deliver all the smoky, creamy, spicy goodness of the classic appetizer with fewer calories and less fat. A blend of reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt creates a rich, tangy filling, while smoked paprika adds deep flavor without extra bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 fresh jalapenos
  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8–10 slices thin-cut bacon
  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Wash and dry 8-10 jalapenos. Slice each one in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes. Wear gloves or wash hands immediately after.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 4 oz softened reduced-fat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Using a small spoon or spatula, fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overfill—leave a tiny bit of space at the top.
  5. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice around each stuffed jalapeno, securing the ends underneath. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the bacon.
  6. Place the wrapped poppers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, and the filling should be hot and slightly bubbly around the edges.
  8. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use room-temperature cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Thin-cut bacon crisps best; if using thick-cut, pre-cook for 3-4 minutes. Leave space between poppers on the baking sheet to avoid soggy bacon. Let rest 3-5 minutes after baking to set the filling and prevent burns.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, lightened-up poppers, healthy appetizer, game day snack, low-calorie poppers, Greek yogurt cream cheese filling

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/lightened-up-smoky-bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers-easy-recipe/