Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz ground turkey, browned and drained
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 12 large jalapeño peppers
  • 12 slices thin-cut turkey bacon
  • 12 wooden toothpicks

Instructions:

  1. Carefully slice each jalapeño lengthwise and use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, and 4 oz browned ground turkey. Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt until the mixture is velvety and uniform.
  3. Spoon the mixture evenly into the hollowed jalapeños, filling them to the brim without overflowing.
  4. Wrap a single slice of thin-cut turkey bacon tightly around each pepper and secure with a toothpick pushed through the center.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the poppers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the turkey bacon is a deep mahogany-brown, the jalapeño skin is slightly blistered and soft, and the cheese filling is bubbling at the edges.