Cheese-covered fries are probably not the first thing to come to mind when you think of healthy foods, but April’s recipe of the month is full of melted cheesy goodness and bursting with flavor – all while keeping the calorie count low.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium potatoes (5 1/2 oz each), yukon gold or russet, washed and dried
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp cumin
• coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 1 slice center cut bacon, cooked & finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp diced scallions
• 1 tbsp sliced pickled Jalapeno (jarred on canned)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Line baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up if desired. Lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Cut each potato lengthwise into 1/4 inch thin slices; then cut each slice into 1/4 inch fries. In a large bowl, combine cut potatoes and oil; toss well. Add seasoning (paprika to salt and pepper). Toss to coat.
3. Place potatoes in a single layer, bake in the bottom third of the oven 10 minutes, turn and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp and browned.
4. Remove from oven, top with cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, scallions and bacon bits and return to oven for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Yield: 2 servings, Serving Size: 1/2, Calories: 265, Fat: 12 g, Carb: 30 g, Fiber: 3 g, Protein: 10.5 g, Sodium: 305mg, Exchanges: 2 starch, ½ meat, 2 fats

Source and printer-friendly version: Skinny Taste.