Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe
A creamy and spicy twist on a classic macaroni salad, featuring sharp cheddar cheese and zesty jalapeños blended with smooth cream cheese for a flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare Jalapeño Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the jalapeños after removing the seeds to reduce heat. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier mixing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped jalapeños. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and creamy.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a spicy and creamy side dish.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier salad, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and tastes even better after resting overnight.
Keywords: jalapeño popper, macaroni salad, creamy salad, spicy pasta salad, cheddar cheese salad
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/jalapeno-popper-macaroni-salad-recipe/
