Best 2 Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac N Cheese Recipes
**Dive into a flavor journey with the tantalizing Jalapeño Popper Orzo Mac and Cheese!**
This unique dish is a delightful fusion of classic macaroni and cheese with a zesty kick. Creamy and indulgent, it features a rich cheese sauce infused with the bold flavors of jalapeños and crispy bacon. Orzo pasta adds a delightful bite, while panko breadcrumbs provide a golden-brown crust. Discover two variations of this recipe: one offers a classic cheese blend, while the other introduces a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for an extra spicy kick. Both versions promise an explosion of taste that will satisfy your cravings for comfort and spice. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate cheesy, spicy, and utterly delicious experience!
CREAMY JALAPENO POPPER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This pleasantly spicy mac and cheese delivers on its name: The cheesy jalapeno pasta with its crunchy panko bread crumb topping tastes just like poppers!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield 8 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; transfer half the melted butter to a medium bowl and reserve. Add the chopped jalapenos to the saucepan, toss to coat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to a small bowl and reserve.
- Wipe out the saucepan and add the half-and-half. Cook over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the macaroni and reserved pasta water and stir to combine. (The mixture will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Gently fold in the reserved cooked jalapenos, pickled jalapenos and pickled jalapeno juice. Season with salt and cayenne if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs in the bowl with the reserved melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Lay the sliced jalapenos evenly on top of the bread crumbs. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
JALAPENO POPPER MAC 'N CHEESE
With an abundance of jalapenos in the garden, I was looking for new ways to use them, and this popper mac 'n cheese is a great one! This recipe is easily adjustable to add more heat or to take it away. The amount of jalapenos used in this recipe will yield a nice, spicy mac 'n cheese without being too over-the-top spicy. The mac 'n cheese itself is rich and creamy. Enjoy!
Provided by Christina
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to pot; set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and jalapenos; cook until just softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in flour, coating vegetables well. Whisk in milk slowly until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- Season sauce with garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in processed cheese and cream cheese until melted and sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
- Pour macaroni into cheese sauce and stir to coat completely. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Cool briefly.
- Crumble bacon and mix with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni. Top with jalapeno slices.
- Bake, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 332.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Cholesterol 44.7 mg, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 785.6 mg, Sugar 6.8 g
Tips:
- Ensure the jalapenos are seeded and diced finely for a milder flavor, or leave the seeds intact for a spicier dish. - To prevent the orzo from sticking together, rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking. - For a creamier mac and cheese, use a combination of heavy cream and milk. - Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. - For a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. - Experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations. - For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. ###Conclusion:
Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy topping, and spicy jalapeno kick, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting mac and cheese recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!
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