Jalapeno Poppers were one of those things that I loved but figured there was no way under the sun to make that spicy goodness even remotely healthy or even just not horrible for me.  Then I went out to eat and saw them on the menu and wanted them, alot.  Like so much that i may have bought an order for the table and eaten them all myself, but that is really beside the point judgey judgerton.

After I ate them and my stomach decided to hate me for a few days, I decided I should probably not do that again and set out to figure out how to make them in a way that might actually be guilt free and maybe (gasp) have some health benefits!

Don’t worry, I wouldn’t believe me either, but I dare you to try the recipe below and not love them – they are crave-able and even have added protein with the addition of the secret ingredient, cottage cheese!

Jalapeno Poppers

**2 Servings**

Ingredients

3 Fresh Jalapeno’s

2 Slices Turkey Bacon

½  Cup Cottage Cheese

¼ Cup Cheddar Cheese

½ tsp Garlic Powder

Dash of Salt & Pepper

6 Toothpicks

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 Degrees
2. Slice each jalapeno in half long ways and clean out the seeds. Place on nonstick pan and set aside
3. Mix cottage cheese and cheddar cheese with the garlic powder, salt & pepper in small food processor or blender and mix until smooth.
4. Place approximately 1 Tablespoon of cheese mixture into each jalapeno half until filled
5. Wrap each jalapeno with 1/3 slice of bacon and attach with a toothpick
6. Place in oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until the bacon is browned and crispy

Click here for some more snacking recipes to hit the spot.