Resolution Jalapeno Poppers

So Jalapeno Poppers have become Lee's signature party take along.  Our favorite recipe is probably not the healthiest thing around with all the cheesy bacony goodness.  If you're throwing caution to the wind this year, you can check out the original recipe here.

We've been doing pretty good the last few weeks, moderating our calories and logging on My Fitness Pal (feel free to friend us over there!)  However, something was hovering in the distance that was sure to derail our resolve if we didn't plan ahead.  We knew we had to do something to slim up the Super Bowl!

Lee took a stab at the jalapeno poppers.  This might bring a tear to your eye... no bacon.  But they're still really delicious!!

He beefed up the filling with mushrooms and onions and covered them in panko bread crumbs to bring in just a little crunch.  If you're looking for something to slim up your Super Bowl, these are it!!

First, you'll need:

1 Package Mushrooms (Chopped)

1 Bunch Green Onions (Chopped)

1 Package Light Cream Cheese (Softened)

½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

½ Cup Shredded Italian Cheese

6 Large Jalapenos (Cored, Deseeded and Cut in Half)

2 Cups Panko Bread Crumbs

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

Seasoning Salt to taste (I used a Salt Free Variety)

1 egg white/water mixture

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and chop or shred all your cheeses and vegetables.

Combine the softened cream cheese, cheese, green onions, mushrooms and seasoning in a bowl and stir to combine.

Core and deseed the peppers and cut in half.  Remember, use latex gloves when you work with peppers, don't be a hero! Fill each pepper with the cheese mixture.

Prepare the egg white and wate mix in a bowl and beat with a fork till combined.  Put yourpanko in a bowl with chili powder and mix. 

 Roll each pepper in the egg whites and then into the panko until coated and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 35 – 40 min’s.  Serve immediately. 

So here's how it breaks down for two pieces from both recipes:

Skinny Poppers Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 197 Calories from Fat 87

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9.7g 15%

Saturated Fat 5.2g 26%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Cholesterol 25mg 8%

Sodium 689mg 29%

Total Carbohydrates 20.1g 7%

Dietary Fiber 2.7g 11%

Sugars 3.7g

Protein 8.5g

Vitamin A 25% • Vitamin C 12% Calcium 12% • Iron 16%

Original Poppers Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 332 Calories from Fat 259

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 28.8g 44%

Saturated Fat 17.2g 86%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 88mg 29%

Sodium 2390mg 100%

Total Carbohydrates 4.1g 1%

Dietary Fiber 1.4g 6%

Sugars 1.3g

Protein 15.1g

Vitamin A 40% • Vitamin C 8% Calcium 31% • Iron 10%

That's three times less fat, four times less sodium and way less calories.  And you know what? They're still delicious!