As a lover of spicy food and creative twists on classic dishes, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Shells. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeno poppers and the comforting warmth of pasta shells. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it, how to make it, and some tips for customization.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Why You’ll Love It
I adore this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The cream cheese filling, combined with the crunch of bacon and the spiciness of jalapenos, all wrapped up in a cheesy pasta shell, is a match made in heaven. It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Shells: 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- Filling:
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 package (12 ounces) bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
- 2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded, finely diced, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cheese Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Topping:
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Garnish:
- Reserved crumbled bacon
- Reserved diced jalapeno
How to Make It
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a large oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon (reserving ¼ cup for garnish), jalapenos (reserving ¼ cup for garnish), onion powder, and pepper.
- Stuff Shells: Pipe the mixture equally into each uncooked shell. Place into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and chicken stock, whisking constantly until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and add Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper.
- Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are covered. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes, or until bubbly and cooked through.
- Top and Broil: Remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until browned. Sprinkle with reserved bacon and jalapenos before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Appetizer: Cut the shells in half for a fun and spicy appetizer.
- Game Day: Perfect for game day gatherings with friends and family.
Tips for Customization
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using more or fewer jalapenos.
- Meat Additions: Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Cheese Variations: Use different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Parmesan for unique flavors.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQs
- Q: Can I use pre-cooked shells?
- A: Yes, but it’s not necessary. The shells cook perfectly in the cheese sauce.
- Q: How do I reduce the heat?
- A: Use fewer jalapenos or remove more of the seeds and membranes.
- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- A: Yes, prepare the filling and cheese sauce a day in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Q: What’s a good side dish?
- A: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement the dish nicely.
This recipe is a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes and jalapeno poppers. It’s perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine with a flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
