Description
Get ready to spice up your summer gatherings with this delicious JalapeƱo Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe! This vibrant dish combines the creamy goodness of cheese with the kick of roasted jalapeƱos and crunchy turkey bacon, creating a flavor-packed side that everyone will love. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family picnics, this macaroni salad is not only easy to makeātaking just 30 minutesābut also gets better after chilling in the fridge, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or beef burgers for a satisfying meal, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. With its delightful textures and zesty taste, this salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 5 large jalapeƱos
- 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 6ā8 ounces turkey bacon
- 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400Ā°F (200Ā°C). Place jalapeƱos on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for about 15 minutes until slightly charred. Let cool before chopping.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni, roasted jalapeƱos, cream cheese, chopped turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground pepper. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added heat, keep some seeds from the jalapeƱos when roasting. Substitute turkey bacon with cooked chicken or a plant-based alternative for variation.