Cookin' Lean with The Neelys: BBQ Potato Skin Poppers

I have watched the Neelys do their cookin' thing a lot. I love their recipes! I also love how those two always have so much fun cookin' together. But as much as I love what they do, I haven't tried out a single recipe...until now! Their Grilled BBQ Potato Skins inspired me to make a tasty, "lean" appetizer to share with the ladies in my fantasy football league for our draft party last Sunday. They were awesome (I wish I could say the same for the team I drafted. : (  Oh, well! At least the food was great! Check out these petite potato treats loaded up with flavor that is anything but small.

BBQ POTATO SKIN POPPERS
Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 24 ounces baby red potatoes (about 18 potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 strips center cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup favorite store bought BBQ sauce (additional TBSP for garnish)
• 1/2 cup 2% cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chives, diced
• FAT FREE sour cream; garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake the potatoes on a sheet for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely (until able to handle).

Cut the potato in half. Use a melon baller to remove a small scoop of potato from the center. Cut a small piece of potato off of the bottom; creating a flat surface which prevents to potato halves from rolling.

Combine EVOO and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the EVOO mixture over the hallowed potato halves. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.

Return potatoes to the oven for about 8 minutes.

Remove from oven.  Drop equal amounts of BBQ sauce in each potato. Top with bacon and then with shredded cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese in melted.

Drizzle an additional tablespoon of BBQ sauce on top of melted cheese. Finish with chives and serve along with FAT FREE sour cream.

RESULTS

These little potato poppers were a hit! The size made them fun to eat (no fork and knife required). They are the perfect party snack; sure to please a crowd full of hungry football fans. Here is how the nutritional line-up looks...

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving/ 6 BBQ Potato Poppers**):


BEFORE: 702.7 calories;  36.34g fat;  62.0g carbohydrate;  34.35g protein;  2.8g fiber

AFTER: 174.67 calories;  5.5g fat; 24.74g carbohydrate;  6.5g protein;  1.97g fiber

SAVES: 528.03 calories;  30.84g fat;  37.26g carbohydrate

** Nutrition facts do not include sour cream garnish.

The difference between the before and after is significant. This is largely due to leaving out the pulled pork and butter; along with substituting low-fat versions of original ingredients. The new portion size is better suited for an appetizer that won't fill you up too much before dinner. This version of the recipe allows for the BBQ flavor cravings to be met without blowing your nutritional budget.

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*