If you are a pickle fan, you will love this recipe! These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine.
Infused with a tangy-sweet essence, the onions absorb the flavorful liquid, transforming into a versatile condiment. Quick to prepare, they effortlessly elevate your culinary creations, adding depth and complexity to your dishes.
Why You Will Love These Balsamic Pickled Onions
Add this Balsamic Picked Onions recipe to your refrigerator condiment repertoire! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious picked onions with a variety of dishes.
While this recipe offers quick pickling, allowing the flavors to meld for about an hour, the true magic happens overnight. For optimal taste, exercise patience and indulge in these delectable onions the following day.
Ingredients in Quick Pickle Balsamic Onions
Below are the ingredients for this easy quick-pickled onion.
Red onions (or white onions)
Balsamic Vinegar & White Vinegar
Honey or Maple Syrup/brown sugar
Pickling Salt
Mustard Seeds
Optional: while garlic cloves red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, cinnamon stick
Step – By – Step Instructions for Making Easy Pickled Red Onions
Slice Onions: With a sharp knife, peel and thinly slice the red onions. Then, place the sliced onions in a clean jar.
Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, honey, salt, mustard seeds, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat until sugar and salt dissolve.
Pickle Onions: Pour the balsamic vinegar brine over the onions in the jar. Let cool to room temperature.
Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Serving Suggestions: Bring dishes to the next level by using these homemade pickled red onions as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.
These tangy onions add a burst of flavor and a lot of savory notes to your favorite dishes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How To Use Balsamic Pickled Onions
These balsamic onions are the perfect topping in many applications. Some of my favorite ways to use them include:
Charcuterie Board (one of my favorite appetizers)
Spooned over Avocado Toast
Tossed in a salad
As a side dish for baked fish or chicken
Incorporated into your favorite grain bowls
A topping for fish tacos
However, my ultimate favorite way to savor Balsamic Pickled Onions is nestled within a hearty, veggie-packed sandwich!
FAQ about Easy Pickled Red Onions (Ask A Dietitian!)
Can I use balsamic vinegar for pickling?
Yes, balsamic vinegar is a great option for pickling. To balance cost and flavor, I often blend it with more affordable distilled white vinegar. This combination offers a rich depth of taste without overwhelming the vegetables being pickled.
Are picked onions good or bad for you?
Pickled onions are a flavorful addition to your diet and offer some health benefits! Low in calories yet bursting with flavor, they serve as a versatile addition to your meals. Rich in antioxidants, they support overall health, and if fermented, they provide probiotics, promoting gut health and digestion!
Do you have to cook onions before pickling?
No, you do not need to cook onions before pickling. I prefer to slice them raw and add them directly to the jar. Then, I pour the hot pickling brine overtop before sealing.
While some recipes may call for blanching the onions in boiling water before picking, I prefer crunchy pickled onions. So, it’s entirely up to your taste and crunch preference.
If you are a pickle fan, you will love this recipe! These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine.
This Homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Bar Recipe is my take on the Cookies and Cream Hero Bar from Quest! It is one of my favorite protein bar flavors. These healthy protein bars with simple ingredients has 8 grams of protein per serving with 14 grams of sugar.
Lately, I have been supplementing my diet with protein powders and protein bars. I like to supplement my smoothies, shakes, baked goods, and even pasta! I follow a semi-pescatarian or Flexitarian diet. Moreover, while I am training for races and weight lifting at my gym, I need to ensure I am consuming adequate amounts of protein for recovery and wellness.
In this article, I will review the ingredients in this Homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Bar recipe, step-by-step instructions on how to make it. Additionally, it will offer insights into the benefits of supplementing protein powder in your diet, including explanations of what protein powder is, why one might supplement with protein, and how to incorporate it effectively.
Healthy Ingredients for This Cookies and Cream Protein Bar Recipe
Below are the ingredients for this Cookies and Cream Protein Bar recipe.
Toasted rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
Crumbled and Crushed Oreos
Cookies and Cream Protein Powder – in a pinch you could use vanilla, chocolate, or both. I prefer whey protein powder however, vegan protein powder is an option as well. I enjoy Earth Fed Muscle protein Husky Dunkers Protein powder. This brand has the least amount of artificial ingredients that I have found and I love using it in some of my favorite recipes.
Almond butter (cashew butter works well too)
Maple syrup
For The White Chocolate Outer Coating
White chocolate
Coconut butter (or coconut oil)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep:
Below are the steps to make this no bake recipe made with oreo cookies. Prep your 9×9 or 8×8-inch pan by lining it with parchment or wax paper.
Dry Ingredients:
Mix Rice Krispy cereal and crushed Oreos in a bowl. Set aside.
Wet Ingredients:
Warm almond butter and maple syrup in the microwave or on the stove. Once warm (not hot) pour in protein powder and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. Pour into dry ingredients bowl.
Combine and Pour:
Stir and combine ingredients. For this step, I like to use my hand to help incorporate the ingredients.
Pour the crunch bar mix into a square or rectangular cake pan. Press the dough to the edges until the top is uniform and smooth.
Chocolate Layer:
Melt vegan white chocolate and coconut butter (or oil) in a double boiler or microwave.
Microwaving White Chocolate:
(For the microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 15 min increments. Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate. Once the chocolate is almost completely melted, stop microwaving and continue to let the chocolate melt as you stir. This step should be done with a rubber spatula and stirred until velvety smooth.)
Pour the white chocolate over the top of the crunch mix. Smooth the white chocolate layer over top of the crunch bars.
Chill & Eat
Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 min preferably 2-3 hours, to set and chill. Remove from the refrigerator, and use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the cake pan. Cut your delicious bars into desired sizes and enjoy. I like to eat these no bake protein bars after a hike but the chewy texture would pair well with ice cream and mini Oreos, or perhaps a lower fat, extra protein variation, serve with chocolate protein powder mixed well into non-fat Greek yogurt.
Storage
These bars may be stored in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature for 1 week in the fridge.
Variations of these Protein Bars
You can create different variations of this recipe with various ingredient swaps.
Vegan vanilla protein bars: Omit the oreo cookies and including vegan vanilla protein powder and topping it with some delicious white chocolate.
Chocolate peanut butter protein bars: Omit the oreo cookies and use natural peanut butter with chocolate protein powder.
Additionally, make a smaller batch by adjusting the ratio of ingredient and pressing it into a loaf pan.
The Why, What, How of Protein Powders
Why?
First, ask yourself why would you benefit from this supplement such as a Quest Cookies and Cream Crunch Bar.
Most Americans consume adequate amounts of protein, some say even a little too much. However, for many vegetarians and vegans, it can be difficult to meet adequate protein needs (especially if you are a super active person).
Below are a few of the many reasons you could benefit from a protein supplement:
Illness and/or injury. Protein needs to increase (or decrease) depending on an individual’s health status.
Increased activity. For example, endurance training and strength training.
Vegan, Vegetarian, or Flexitarian Lifestyle. Even a balanced diet may need supplementation.
Adherence to a restrictive diet for health reasons
What?
Now, for whatever reason, you feel you could benefit from a protein supplement. Then, you may ask yourself, where do I start? I recommend a grass-fed whey or plant-based protein powder. These generally are better for the environment. Additionally, try to purchase a third-party tested protein supplement.
Some examples include:
Thorne
Earth Fed Muscle
Legion
Vital Proteins
Looking for a deep dive into the best protein powders according to a registered dietitian? Check out the articles below!
Below are some ways you might choose to incorporate a protein supplement into your diet.
Mix protein powders into:
Shakes & Smoothies
Yogurt
Pudding
Baked goods
Homemade pasta
Soup
Salad Dressing/Sauces
Oatmeal
Note, that when using a whey-based protein powder, it will not mix well with hot liquids and food. I prefer to use a collagen powder for this or a plant-based protein powder.
More High-Protein Recipes
Below are some more delicious high protein recipes.
3cupsrice krispy cerealor other TOASTED rice cereal
6crushed oreos
1/2cupalmond butter
1/2cupmaple syrup
96gvegan cookies and cream protein powder5 scoops
1/4cupvegan white chocolate chipsor use regular white chocolate chips if not keeping vegan
1tbspcoconut butteror coconut oil
Instructions
Prep your 9x9 inch cake pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Dry Ingredients:
Mix Rice Krispy cereal and crushed Oreos in a bowl. Set aside.
Wet Ingredients:
Warm almond butter and maple syrup in the microwave or on the stove. Once warm (not hot) pour in protein powder and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. Pour into dry ingredients bowl.
Stir until combined. For this step, I like to use my hand to help incorporate the ingredients.
Pour the crunch bar mix into a square or rectangular cake pan. Press the dough to the edges until the top is uniform and smooth.
White Chocolate Layer
Melt vegan white chocolate and coconut butter (or oil) in a double boiler or microwave.
Microwaving White Chocolate:
For the microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 15 min increments.
Remove from the microwave and stir the chocolate. Once the chocolate is almost completely melted, stop microwaving and continue to let the chocolate melt as you stir. This step should be done with a rubber spatula and stirred until velvety smooth.
Pour the white chocolate over the top of the crunch mix. Smooth the white chocolate layer over top of the crunch bars.
Chill & Eat:
Place in the refrigerator for 45 to 60min to chill. Remove from the refrigerator, and use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the cake pan. Cut into desired sizes and enjoy.
Storage:
These bars may be stored for 3 days at room temperature for 1 week in the fridge.
Notes
Cake Pan: If you choose to use a different size pan that's totally fine. Just know you may have to adjust the amount of white chocolate to add over top and the nutrition facts with change.
Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad
Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to dine at Din Tai Fung for the very first time. Din Tai Fung is a popular Taiwanese restaurant chain. I joined a group of friends, and together, we had the pleasure of ordering a variety of delectable dishes and popular side dishes from the menu.
From Cucumber Salad to Wood Ear Mushrooms in Vinegar Dressing, to Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings), to Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai, to Spicy Pork Wontons, to Pot Stickers, to of course, one of the excellent noodle dishes, we tasted so many delicious dishes, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Why I Made This Copycat Recipe
One dish that especially stood out to me was the crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad. Creating my own Din Tai Fung copycat recipe at home flashed through my mind instantly after eating the Taiwanese cucumber salad. It is crunchy cucumbers season in Oregon, so this crunchy cucumber salad salad is perfect for a hot summer day. Bonus, this is a super easy recipe, with simple ingredients that maintains its nice crunch the next day!
Sure, the classic Din Tai Fung’s Cucumber Salad recipe uses Persian cucumbers, but you can use any variety of cucumbers. I use pickling and salt and pepper cucumbers in my Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad recipe.
Ingredients in Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
For the Cucumbers
Cucumber Slices – If you don’t have farm fresh cucumbers some excellent options are Persian Cucumbers or English Cucumbers. Both types of cucumbers are available at most grocery stores. Both have a thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Kosher Salt
Dressing Ingredients
Vinegar (I use rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar but distilled white vinegar is an excellent option as well)
Soy Sauce (use light soy sauce if you do not want excess salt)
Sesame oil
Honey (or white sugar)
Optional: minced fresh garlic, chopped green onions or red pepper flakes
Topping
Chili oil or chili crisp – the amount of chili oil is up to you!
How to Make this Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
Cut thick slices of cucumbers. Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and then cut them into 1/2-inch slices.
In a large mixing bowl, add sliced cucumbers and sea salt. Let the cucumber mixture sit for at least 10-15 minutes but preferably 30 minutes.
While the cucumbers are sitting, prepare the marinade. Add vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey to a small bowl and whisk until combined. TIP: Measuring the honey after the sesame oil allows for the honey to slide out of the measuring spoon more easily.
Once the cucumbers are finished, and the excess water has been drawn out, rinse the salt from the cucumbers. Pat the cucumbers dry with clean dishcloths.
Add the cucumbers and marinade to a large bowl, mix, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
To serve, add cucumbers to a plate or serving dish and drizzle some of the marinade and chili oil over top. Option to add any other garnishes you prefer, such as sesame seeds or finely sliced green onion.
How Do You Serve Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
I serve this chilled cucumber salad recipe in many ways, below are some of my favorites:
Appetizer before your meal
Side dish with your meal. Serve it with some rice, a noodle dish, or a grilled or baked protein of choice.
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Slice the cucumbers: Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and then cut into 1/2 inch slices.
In a large mixing bowl add slice cucumbers and salt. Let the cucumber mixture sit for 30 min.
While the cucumbers are sitting, prepare the marinade. Add vinegars, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Adding the honey after the sesame oil allows for the honey to slide out of the measuring spoon more easily.
Once the cucumbers are finished, and the excess water has been drawn out, rinse the salt from the cucumbers. Pat the cucumbers dry with clean dish cloths.
Add the cucumbers and marinade to a large bowl, mix, and let sit for at least 10minuites in the refrigerator.
To serve, add cucumbers to a plate or serving dish and drizzle some of the marinade and chili oil over top. Option to add any other garnishes you prefer such as sesame seeds or finely sliced green onion. Enjoy!
This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for any time of year. But, I especially love this dip during fall and football season! Plus, I love making and eating all the football appetizers and noms!
Additionally, when I think of football food and snacks, I think of buffalo wing sauce, chicken wings, and blue cheese dressing. Buffalo Chicken Dip is all of those things rolled into one giant baking pan slathered in cheezy goodness.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything I love about Buffalo Chicken Wings without the mess. Not only that, but this Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for gatherings and sitting around a TV watching the big game.
Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Dip
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs over chicken breasts. This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs (Fresh or Frozen) from author Lauren Allen on the Food Blog Tastes Better From Scratch is super informative and only takes 30 minutes.
Franks Red Hot Sauce: I love to use the OG Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce in my buffalo chicken dips. However, I have another brand that I love and that’s The New Primal. They have 3 levels of heat for their Buffalo Sauce, Mild, Medium, and Hot! Perfect for individualizing recipes.
Ranch
Cheese – Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Blue Cheese
Green Topping: A little garnish to finish off the bubbling Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip. I love to add some green for contrasting colors. Green onion or chives add a crisp and fresh element to finish off this dish. Some other topping ideas are garlic scapes, parsley, or cilantro.
How to make this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
You can make this recipe in an air fryer or slow cooker. In these directions, I’ll review how to make this in a quart baking dish and in the oven!
Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Note – This step can be done 1-2 days in advance.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large pot, sautee diced onion and celery with 1 tbsp butterfor 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the veggies finish sauteeing, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Add the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and blue cheese on top of the dip.
Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
Let It Cool: Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, more blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Three tips for cutting the perfect veggie dipper
Wash your veggies. I like to use a dedicated scrubber brush for my veggie washing.
Prep. Did you know, you can prep veggie dippers a day in advance?! Just cut your veggies and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Store in an airtight container or storage bag in the refrigerator.
Aesthetic. When choosing the veggies to pair with the dip think about what will look the most pleasing to the eye, such as the shape in which you cut your veggie dipper and the color combinations of the veggies.
Examples
Carrots: Whole carrots can have crackly and dirty-looking skin even when scrubbed really well. Peeling the outer layer transforms the carrot into a bright orange visual beauty. Then, think about the size you want the carrot to hold up the sauce or dip you have prepared. Be sure to allow for a good surface area to do so. Last, cut the carrot into 3” long and 0.5inch wide sticks. Not into all the prep? Baby carrots for the win.
Celery: Celery requires little prep work. Just wash, and slice. Celery naturally has a lovely spoon-like shape, perfect for dipping! Plus celery and carrots look beautiful paired together.
Like This Recipe? Check Out These Other Favorites!
This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is hot, creamy, and spicy. Enjoy it with chips, carrots and celery sticks. This is the perfect dip to enjoy during any sporting event.
If you haven't already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until they're fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Note - This step can be done 1-2 days in advance.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large pot, sauté diced onion and celery with 1tbsp butter for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Once the veggies finish sautéing, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Add the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle Cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar and blue cheese on top of the dip.
Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, more blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
Serve the buffalo chicken dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve with carrot and celery sticks, tortilla chips, and/or crackers.
Jacob’s Famous Guacamole – Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Who doesn’t love guacamole? Unless you have an aversion to avocados or have an allergy I can’t think of anyone! It’s a popular party food, and for good reason.
The richness of the avocados paired with the tanginess of the lime lime are magic in the mouth.
This guacamole is my Husband’s recipe. In this guacamole recipe, Jacob introduces an element I’ve never thought of… sun-dried tomatoes!
This Guacamole with Sun sun-dried tomatoes is excellent served as a dip with some chips, added to a 7-layer dip, or served alongside many dishes like roasted veggies, a plate of tacos, or air-fryer potatoes.
Ingredients
Avocado
Lime Juice – Throw in some zest too if you feel like it!
Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Flat-leaf parsley is a fantastic substitution. Something bright bringing that herbal element.
Jalapeno – if you don’t like the spicy, option to omit the jalapeño!
Garlic
Onion
Sun Dried Tomato
Step-By-Step Instructions
This is such an easy recipe, it just takes some patience to chop up all the ingredients!
This is a great recipe to make with the kids! Let them mash those avocados and be taste testers, adding pinches of salt and spritzes of lime for the perfect-tasting guacamole!
Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency (some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother).
Add the aromatics: Add the prepared veggies, onion, garlic, cilantro, sun-dried tomatoes, and jalapeño, to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
Season: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture. Season the guac with salt and pepper.
Mix: Gently fold all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Taste and Serve: Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preferences. You can serve it immediately or, if you have the time, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Avocado Tips From A Registered Dietitian
Here are three tips for using avocados in your kitchen.
Find the right Avocados: Ripening can be tricky for these little “alligator pears”.
I like to purchase my avocados hard thus before they have fully ripened. Once they have ripened on the kitchen counter or in a paper bag, I pop the avocados in the fridge.
How to ripen avocados via paper bag: As soon as I get home from the store, I ripen the avocados in a paper bag for 1 day and check them for ripeness. If it’s still hard, I keep the avocados in the paper bag for one more day and check again, and so on and so on.
Once the avocados have a slight give, I put them in the refrigerator to stop the ripening process. I take them out (within a few days) when I am ready to make my guacamole!
Avocado Storing: I asked some of my friends for avocado tips and here they are!
‘Spray with avocado/olive oil to keep fresh’
‘Squirt a little lemon on the avocado once the avocado is cut’
‘Keep the core in with the avocado while storing in the fridge’
‘I store my avocado in Tupperware and I hear that storing in water works too!’
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Avocado Nutrition
Avocado Nutrition – Think Healthy Fats and Fiber!
Research supports that Avocado consumption supports cardiovascular health.
Avocados are high in high-quality fats including MUFAs (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). This ratio of fats in the avocado helps promote the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins and promotes a healthy blood lipid profile.
Avocados help you feel full.
This may be related to the high fiber amount. Half of an avocado contains 4.6g of fiber and 114 kcal.
What’s more, new research suggests that Avocado consumption also promotes a healthy gut! Yay!
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency (some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother).
Add the aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finely chopped jalapeño to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
Season
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture and add salt and pepper.
Mix well
Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Taste and Serve
Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
What do I mean by small chop?The term 'chop" is a casual, imprecise term that simply means to roughly cut food into bite-sized pieces. So for a small chop smaller than a regular chop but larger than a mince.
This Bacon “Wrapped” Jalapeno Popper Air Fryer recipe is healthy, delicious, and nutritious. I add butternut squash to the filling to provide a creamy, slightly sweet, and veggie packed bite!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Flavor: The combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese filling, and crispy bacon is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Indulgence with moderation: By creating a healthier version, individuals can indulge in this delicious treat without feeling guilty about consuming excessive calories or saturated fats.
Sharing with others: Making a healthier version of a popular dish allows individuals to share their culinary creations with friends and family, promoting healthier eating habits among loved ones.
Ingredients
Experimenting with healthier ingredients allows for creativity in the kitchen. You can swap the butternut squash for pureed carrot, sweet potato, or even pumpkin!
Jalapenos
Cream Cheese – option for use vegan for dairy free
Prepare the Jalapenos: Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed butternut squash, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Fill the Jalapenos: Spoon the cream cheese and butternut squash mixture into each jalapeno half, ensuring they are well-filled.
Top jalapeno and filling with 1/2 tsp shredded cheddar cheese then top with a piece of bacon.
Air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
Serve: Carefully remove the jalapeno poppers from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve This Recipe
Below are some suggestions for serving this recipe.
Arrange on a Platter: Place the jalapeno poppers on a serving platter or plate, arranging them neatly for presentation.
Garnish: If desired, garnish the jalapeno poppers with fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Serve Warm: Jalapeno poppers are best enjoyed warm, so serve them promptly after cooking.
Enjoy This Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Air Fryer recipe?
8tspshredded cheddar cheese, dividedyou will use 1/2 tsp cheddar cheese on each popper
4strips no nitrite bacon, cut into 4 pieces
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapenos
Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed butternut squash, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Fill the Jalapenos
Spoon the cream cheese and butternut squash mixture into each jalapeno half, ensuring they are well-filled.
Top jalapeno and filling with 1/2 tsp shredded cheddar cheese then top with a piece of bacon.
Air frying
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.
Serve
Carefully remove the jalapeno poppers from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
To make Vegan or Dairy Free: Swap Cream Cheese with Cashew Cream or a Vegan Cream Cheese. Swap Cheddar cheese by mixing in nutritional yeast to Vegan Cream cheese swap. Omit bacon. Top with diced chives and paprika after cooking.To make Vegetarian: Omit bacon and top with diced chives and paprika after cooking. This recipe is Gluten and Grain Free, Soy Free, and Peanut/Nut Free.Option to serve with some Greek yogurt or sour cream as an easy dipping sauce!
