Jalapeno Poppers -- 3 Smart Points

This recipe is from a cooking demonstration sponsored by our Tribe.  The recipes they use are intended to help diabetics with better nutrition.  I prepared this today and calculated the Weight Watcher Smart Points per serving.

If you like deep fried jalapeno poppers, you should really enjoy these.  The combination of cheeses gives a wonderful chewy texture and the Panko crumbs get nice and crispy as they bake.

These are not a real "low point" appetizer, but are definitely  healthier than the deep fried ones! The Weight Watcher website lists 5 points for a single jalapeno popper but not a size or weight.

JALAPENO POPPERS   

Makes 36 poppers – 3 Smart Points for 2

8 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese

1 ¾ cups grated Parmesan cheese

3 T. chopped jalapeño peppers

1 egg white

2/3 cup Panko bread crumbs

Cooking spray, parchment paper or non-stick aluminum foil

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix cream cheese, parmesan cheese, jalapenos and egg white in a bowl to form a paste.

Using a 1 T. scoop or measuring spoon, dip out the mixture and roll in the Panko crumbs, flatten slightly.

Place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, or use parchment paper or non stick foil so they won’t stick to the pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Flip halfway through the cooking time.

Smart Points

Neufchatel cheese      24

Parmesan cheese        22

Panko crumbs               4