Jalapeno Popper Spaghetti Squash is a delicious balance of perfectly roasted spaghetti squash with melty creamy cheeses, peppers, and bacon all tossed together in warm deliciousness.  This incredibly simple recipe uses greek yogurt instead of cream cheese so you still get all the comforts of cheesy-overload, without all of the heavy stuff!

Sometimes I get an idea in my head to make something for the family that they just can not resist.  This is where the jalapeño popper part comes into play y'all.  What's more delicious than jalapeño and bacon together? My family loves spicy recipes and who on the planet doesn't love bacon?

So lets talk details about this family-approved jalapeño popper spaghetti squash, shall we?

First off, the spaghetti squash.  If you have been a reader for some time you already know my love for spaghetti squash goes back a long way.  I've shared my Skinny Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake and the Spaghetti Squash Taco Bake with you, two of my more popular recipes.  I've also posted about my Spicy Peanut Spaghetti Squash, my Basil Goat Cheese Spaghetti Squash recipe, the Spinach Tomato Spaghetti Squash, and my Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls.

Like I said, my infatuation goes way back.  Spaghetti squash allows my family and I to eat a lot of our favorite meals without all of the guilt of a big bowl of pasta.  I love the light texture it brings to dishes.  I also love how it easily twirls around your fork.  I love the ease of baking it up after a long work day.  I just love spaghetti squash.

The bacon adds flavor like no other (obviously!), the jalapeño adds a bit of spice and crunch, and the other veggies (I add in which ever fresh veggies that I have on hand at the moment) add a touch of texture and flavor as well.  It's an incredibly tasty meal that won't have you feeling bogged down after a large plateful.  It's perfect for wanting something cheesy but lighter on those warm summer nights and its perfect for a hearty meal when it's chilly outside and you need something warm and cheesy to cozy up to!

What makes this recipe "Jalapeno Popper" -ish?

Well, it's not the Spaghetti Squash part, but it's everything else!

Jalapeno poppers are typically jalapenos that have been cut down the middle (hot dog style) to produce two long pepper halves.  The peppers are then deseeded or else they would be incredibly hot.  The jalapenos are then stuffed with cheeses and usually topped with bacon and green onion, along with spices.

Jalapeno Popper Spaghetti Squash ingredients:

• 1 jalapeño, chopped with seeds taken out
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 1 spaghetti squash
• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, crumbled
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• olive oil
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ⅓ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

How to make Jalapeno Popper Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat the oven to 400*F. Slice the spaghetti squash in half length-wise (hotdog style). Scoop out and discard the seeds.
2. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in the inside of the squash halves and lay cut-side down on a baking sheet. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the inside is fork-tender.
3. When the squash is in the oven baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet for approx. 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to brown along the edges. Chop the bacon into small pieces once cooked thoroughly.
4. In a small mixing bowl combine the Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Add the diced jalapeno and stir. Set aside.
5. Remove the squash from the oven once fully cooked and rake the insides of the spaghetti squash halves with a fork to form "Spaghetti noodles".
6. Place ½ of the mixing bowl full of the Greek yogurt spread into each spaghetti squash half and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Sprinkle the bacon and green onion on the very top and return the spaghetti squash halves to the oven to bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the Greek yogurt mixture and the cheesy tops are melty and golden brown.
7. Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Then dig in and enjoy!

I have been adding slices of my blackened chicken to the top of this dish, and it does. not. disappoint.  Not one bit!