Sweetpotato Jalapeño Poppers

Recipe created by Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD of Snacking in Sneakers

Whether you’re preparing a game-day snack spread or prepping a holiday party appetizer, you’re going to love these sweetpotato jalapeño poppers! The sweetpotato tames the heat from the peppers, creating that perfect sweet-and-spicy combo that keeps you coming back for more. And the best part? This recipe skips the bacon and uses cottage cheese instead of cream cheese, making this a lightened-up version that you can feel good snacking on!

Makes 18 poppers

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 47kcal

Ingredients

2 medium sweetpotatoes
9 jalapeño peppers
⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup low fat 1% cottage cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup chopped chives
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary)
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Place the sweetpotatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Poke each a few times with a fork, then cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, until cooked through and tender.
Meanwhile, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and white pith. Place on a baking sheet.
When the cooked sweetpotatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh of the sweetpotato and place it in a mini food processor or blender. (Discard the skin or save to make potato skins another day!). Add the cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in with the sweetpotatoes. Process for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is well-combined. Stir in the chives.
Scoop the sweetpotato mixture into the jalapeño halves. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top, then drizzle with the olive oil.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, until jalapeños are tender and filling is hot throughout. Let cool just a couple minutes, then enjoy warm!

Notes

When purchasing jalapeños, note that smooth, unblemished peppers are typically milder, while those that are more mature with lines running down the sides (aka “corking”) will be a bit spicier. Not every pepper will follow that rule, but it’s a helpful guideline if you’re trying to choose a particular spice level.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Nutrition Facts

Sweetpotato Jalapeño Poppers

Serving Size

Amount per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Fat

2.5

Saturated Fat

Sodium

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition