Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

Name: Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Kosher salt; 1 pound orzo; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter; 6 jalapeno peppers; 4 seeded and finely chopped, 2 sliced with seeds; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups milk; Freshly ground pepper; 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar; 4 ounces cream cheese; 2 cups panko; 2 Fresno chile peppers, sliced; 5 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into thin wedges; 2 almost-ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced; 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; EVOO, for drizzling; Juice of 2 limes; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Servings: persons

Kosher salt
1 pound orzo
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
6 jalapeno peppers; 4 seeded and finely chopped, 2 sliced with seeds
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups panko
2 Fresno chile peppers, sliced
5 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
2 almost-ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
EVOO, for drizzling
Juice of 2 limes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

1
For the mac-n-cheese: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2
Salt the water and cook the orzo until al dente, about 6 minutes; drain.
3
Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped jalapenos, the garlic and onions and cook until the jalapenos and onions are soft, 5 minutes.
5
Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
6
Add the milk and stir until the sauce thickens.
7
Season with salt and pepper.
8
Add the Cheddar and cream cheese and stir until melted.
9
Combine the orzo with the sauce and transfer to a casserole dish.
10
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and toss with the panko to coat.
11
Sprinkle over the casserole and top with the sliced jalapenos and Fresno chiles.
12
For the guac salad: Gently toss the tomatoes, avocados, jalapenos and onions on a serving platter.
13
Drizzle with EVOO and lime juice, season with salt and pepper and top with the cilantro.
14
Divide the orzo mac-n-cheese among plates and serve with the guac salad.
15
Cook's Note: The orzo casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal.
16
Reheat in a moderate oven, and make the guac salad, before serving.

954

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Kosher salt, 1 pound orzo, 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, 6 jalapeno peppers; 4 seeded and finely chopped, 2 sliced with seeds, and more.

Yes, Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese

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