Hearty Poppers

Name: Hearty Poppers
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 12 jalapeno peppers; 1/2 pound lean ground turkey; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese; 1-1/3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper

“There are many recipes for jalapeno pepper poppers here in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where we live,” writes Janice Vernon. “For a potluck at our church, my husband and I came up with this lighter version. The poppers were a hit!”

Ingredients

12 jalapeno peppers
1/2 pound lean ground turkey
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
4 ounces fat-free cream cheese
1-1/3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise, leaving stems intact; discard seeds. Set aside. In a small nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook turkey and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain.
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1/3 cup cheese, cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir in turkey mixture. Spoon generously into pepper halves.
Place in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes for spicy flavor, 30 minutes for medium and 40 minutes for mild.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 38 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.

Originally published as Ron's Poppers in Light & Tasty June/July 2007

Reviews

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tntriggs

Feb 7, 2015

I think I would use Fino Chorizo.
tomsaaristo

Jan 17, 2012

Exceptional! Great tip on making them milder by roasting them longer! I've never seen that before! I like that these are baked too! Also, I substituted Vegetable Neufchatel which meets the lighter cream cheese component but also adds a little more flavor with the included vegetables. I never thought Jalapeno poppers would become a favorite, but thanks to this recipe, they are a new staple!
nancycl

Feb 3, 2010

Really good and way less calories than most pepper poppers.