Ok. So here’s the story behind all this crazy nonsense. I’m sure everyone has had bacon wrapped cream cheese jalapeno’s at one point or another, am I right? They’re huge during football season, and in my experience, they’re a hit anytime they make an appearance as an appetizer. I’ve made them, I’ve eaten them, and I know first-hand that when you’re talking, drinking, watching football, and otherwise generally enjoying yourself, you don’t count how many popper’s you’re poppin’. Right? Be honest. Now, take a look at that last picture. Bottom right. Those are the nutritional values for 10 of those little suckers. Scary, huh?

Now, what I wanted to do was come up with a slightly healthier alternative. Not ultra super you-can-eat-this-everyday healthy, but at least something you can come home from a party not feeling disgusted about. Something you could still enjoy in moderation, and not regret. So I made these: Fresh mozzarella filled, prosciutto wrapped jalapenos. I made plenty of them and had them for lunch, mostly as an experiment to gauge whether they would keep tasting good after the initial one or two (they did) and because it was just easier. I didn’t want to make just one or two and have tons of leftover ingredients, but anyway, that’s not the point. It was an experiment, so don’t think I’ll be eating this for a meal again, like ever, haha. (I totally got full and left three of them though.)

The verdict: in my opinion, they’re definitely a suitable replacement. Taste is different, but still great & tasty. Doing it this way you don’t have to wait for the bacon to cook so the jalapeno’s retain some of their crunch. Plus, compare the nutritional value in the last two pictures.You save 250 calories, 26 grams of fat, and almost 400 mg of sodium in ten half pieces (so a total of 5 jalapenos.) If you host a party, or even just attend one, try bringing these! They’ll be a hit, and you’ll feel better about what you’re eating and serving your friends. And, bonus, they’ll think you’re super classy and awesome for serving prosciutto! ;)

*Now that’s not to say that the prosciutto version doesn’t have a lot of sodium because it does; more than a day’s worth in fact. But in comparison, if you’re going to eat something similar anyway, might as well save where you can.
**I threw these in a 350° oven for approximately 10 minutes.