What are the holidays without delicious appetizers and festive finger foods? If you're searching for that perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next holiday get-together, search no further! This rich and creamy combination of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar nicely contrasts the muted spice of grilled jalapeño peppers. This grilled appetizer recipe is a healthy, fresh alternative to the popular breaded and deep-fried version.

If you're looking to keep your stuffed jalapeño poppers vegetarian-friendly, you can eliminate the bacon or replace it with coarsely chopped nuts, like smoked almonds or toasted pecans.

Ingredients

• 2 center-cut bacon slices
• 6 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside.
3. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Fold in bacon.
4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Grill peppers, filled side up, for 8–10 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Looking for a guilt-free holiday dessert to go alongside your appetizers? Our Battle Born Protein Brownies from Clean Cheatz are the perfect crowd-pleaser — indulgent flavor, macro-friendly macros. And if you're shopping for the health-conscious person in your life, a Mother of Macros gift card makes an incredibly thoughtful holiday gift.