jalapenosJust because you're watching your weight in the new year doesn't mean you should miss out on all the great party foods. These baked cream cheese-stuffed jalapeno poppers from Rachel Ray sound indulgent -- and they are! -- but they're immensely better for you than the fried version. Plus, they're made with green olives, cilantro, and Manchego cheese, so there's tons of great flavor -- go ahead, have another.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers from Rachel Ray

  • 12 large jalapeño peppers
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces Manchego cheese, grated
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons green salad olives with pimientos, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Slice off a lengthwise piece of each jalapeño then, using a small spoon or paring knife, scrape the seeds out of each pepper.

Chop the extra pieces of jalapeno finely and add to a mixing bowl with the cream cheese, Manchego, green olives, parsley, salt and black pepper. Use a small spoon to fill the jalapenos with the cheese mixture.

Arrange the peppers on cookie sheet and roast in oven at 425F for 15 minutes.

 

Image via cjmartin/Flickr