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Healthy Poppers

Summer or winter, it's always good to add nutritious zucchini to your menu. Try this recipe out for a flavorful and refreshing way to make healthy poppers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People

Equipment

  • Grill (Optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Medium Zucchini
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Can Substitute 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • ½ tsp Onion Powder
  • 6 Strips Turkey Bacon Divided (Browned and crumbled, set aside a bit for topping)
  • ½ Cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (Set a bit aside for topping)
  • 1-2 Fresh Jalapenos (Remove seeds and dice)
  • 2 Tbsp Diced Pickled Jalapenos
  • ¼ Cup Ground Almonds (For Topping)
  • Sea Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Cooking Spray
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley of Cilantro (Garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese or Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, 4 slices crumbled bacon, cheese, jalapeños, and sea salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir with a spatula until well mixed.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut your zucchini in half.
    Zucchini
  • Scoop out the inside flesh, reserving the flesh for later.
  • Place zucchini halves cut side-up onto your baking sheet.
  • Season zucchini with sea salt and pepper and very lightly spray with oil.
  • Bake or grill for 15 minutes, or just until they begin to soften. If you like crispier zucchini leave this step out.
  • Combine the reserved zucchini flesh back into your cream cheese mixture and spoon into the zucchini boats.
  • Sprinkle zucchini tops with ground almonds, additional shredded cheese, and the remaining 2 slices of crumbled bacon if desired.
  • Bake until cheese is melted; about 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven or grill and garnish with chopped parley.
Keyword Popper, Zucchini