Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 6
• Nutritional Info per Serving (1 of 6): Calories 895, Total Fat 47 g, Saturated Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 100 g, Dietary Fiber 12 g, Sugar 15 g, Protein 23 g, Cholesterol 79 mg, Sodium 1203 mg
• Total Time: 35 min
• Active Time: 20 min

Mac-n-Cheese Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
• 6 jalapeno peppers (4 seeded and finely chopped, 2 sliced with seeds)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 Fresno chile peppers, sliced

Guac Salad Ingredients:

• 5 medium heirloom tomatoes, thinly wedged
• 2 avocados, nearly ripe, pitted, peeled and sliced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Juice of 2 limes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until just tender, about 6 minutes, then drain.
2. While the orzo cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped jalapenos, garlic, and onions and saut until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the Cheddar and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
4. Combine the cooked orzo with the cheese sauce and transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, toss with the panko to coat evenly, and sprinkle over the orzo. Top with the sliced jalapenos and Fresno chiles.
6. For the guac salad, gently toss the tomatoes, avocados, jalapenos, and red onion together on a serving plate. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and scatter cilantro on top.
7. Serve the orzo mac-n-cheese alongside the vibrant guac salad.

The orzo mac-n-cheese (without the breadcrumb layer) can be covered and refrigerated ahead of time. Reheat in a moderate oven before adding the guac salad and serving.

Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray