Stuffed Jalapeño Bites with Mac and Cheese Recipe

Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8
Nutrition Per Serving: Calories 132, Total Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 12mg, Sodium 353mg, Carbohydrates 18g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugar 3g, Protein 4g
Total Time: 55 minutes (includes cooling)
Active Time: 30 minutes

Ignite your taste buds with this genius fusion of fiery jalapeo poppers and ultra-creamy mac and cheese! Hollowed jalapeo halves brim with cheesy goodness, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. Tender peppers meet irresistible fillingyour ultimate snack upgrade awaits!

Ingredients

One 5.9-ounce box of macaroni and cheese mix
1/3 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, grated
Zest of 1 lime (about 1 teaspoon)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese, softened
8 large jalapeos, halved lengthwise with seeds and ribs removed

Instructions

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the macaroni from the box and cook until just tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Stir in the milk and butter until melted together. Add the cheese powder from the box and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 450F (230C).
In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dried onion flakes, olive oil, grated garlic, lime zest, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until well combined.
Spread cream cheese down the center of each jalapeo half, then spoon the prepared mac and cheese over it. Arrange the filled jalapeo halves on a baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the jalapeos have softened just a bit and the breadcrumb topping has turned golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.