Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos

The rich and creamy combination of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar nicely contrasts the muted spice of grilled jalapeño peppers. This appetizer recipe is a healthy, fresh alternative to the popular breaded and fried version. If making these poppers for a party, you can stuff the peppers, cover, and chill. Then grill just before your guests arrive.  (Adapted from Cooking Light)

14 servings (serving size: 2 pepper halves)

Ingredients

• 2 center-cut bacon slices
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 1/2 cup)
• 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 ounce extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup minced green onions
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 14 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped seeded tomato

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon.
3. Combine crumbled bacon, cheeses, and next 4 ingredients (through garlic) in a bowl, stirring well to combine.
4. Divide cheese mixture evenly to fill the pepper halves.
5. Place peppers, cheese sides up, on grill rack or grill grate coated with cooking spray.
6. Cover and grill peppers 8 minutes or until bottoms of peppers are charred and cheese mixture is lightly browned.
7. Place peppers on a serving platter. Sprinkle with cilantro and tomato.