Name: Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487093H5M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped; 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives; Salt and pepper to taste

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There’s nothing quite like the explosion of flavors and textures in Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad—a dish that combines the creamy, zesty punch of classic jalapeño poppers with the nostalgic comfort of your favorite pasta salad. Each bite is filled with tender pasta, tangy cream cheese, crisp bacon, and just the right hint of jalapeño heat, making it an irresistible, crowd-pleasing side. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, looking for an unforgettable potluck dish, or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, this Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad comes together with staple ingredients that work in perfect harmony to deliver crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness. Each element plays a key role in creating the lush flavor and crave-worthy bite bursting with color and texture.

Pasta (12 oz rotini or elbow): Choose a short, twisty pasta shape that holds onto the creamy dressing and mix-ins.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Gives the salad its signature ultra-creamy, tangy base—let it come to room temperature for easy blending.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds plush richness and helps bind everything together without overpowering other flavors.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Offers a cool tang that cuts through the richness and balances the heat perfectly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Delivers melty, cheesy pockets throughout the pasta, mimicking classic popper fillings.
Bacon (6 slices, cooked and chopped): Gives that irresistible smoky crunch and classic popper flair—save some for garnish!
Jalapeños (3–4, seeded and diced): The star of the show; add or subtract depending on your preferred spice level.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings savory depth and a little pop of garlicky warmth to the mix.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor and gives subtle sweetness.
Fresh Chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens the salad with a fresh, oniony note—plus it makes a gorgeous garnish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust to bring all the flavors into delicious balance.

How to Make Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini or elbow pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions, aiming for perfectly al dente noodles. Once finished, drain immediately and rinse under cold water until completely cool. This stops the cooking process and ensures your Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad remains light and fresh rather than sticky or mushy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s truly smooth and fluffy. Next, stir in the mayonnaise and sour cream. The result is a light, luscious base that will coat the pasta perfectly, echoing every note of a classic jalapeño popper.

Step 3: Add Cheesy, Savory Mix-Ins

Add the shredded cheddar, crispy chopped bacon, and vibrant diced jalapeños directly into the bowl. Toss in the garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh chives. Every component brings a layer of flavor or crunch, making each forkful of Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Combine and Coat the Pasta

Fold the thoroughly cooled pasta into the creamy, cheesy mixture, stirring gently to ensure every twist of pasta is generously coated. Now’s the time to taste and season with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed for the perfect balance.

Step 5: Chill for Ultimate Flavor

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, letting all those bold flavors meld and amplify. It’s tempting to dig in straight away, but the chilling time transforms the salad, giving you the best possible Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad experience.

How to Serve Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Pile your chilled salad into a large serving bowl and shower it with extra chives and a crunchy scatter of bacon bits. These not only bring eye-catching color but also give an extra punch of fresh flavor and irresistible crunch to every serving.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely sings alongside grilled meats, barbecue classics, or even a spread of picnic fare like corn on the cob and watermelon slices. Its creamy, spicy character is the ultimate complement to juicy burgers, hot dogs, or a platter of pulled chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra fun twist, serve Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad in individual mason jars at a picnic or pack it into lettuce cups for a lighter, crisp contrast. Mini salad cups or colorful bowls make every bite feel like a party, while a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips adds swoon-worthy crunch on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better on day two as the flavors continue to mingle. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and toppings.

Freezing

While creamy pasta salads don’t freeze particularly well due to separation of the dairy-based dressing, you can prep the mix-ins (bacon, jalapeños, cheese) in advance and freeze those separately if you want to save time. Always assemble fresh with the cream cheese mixture for best results.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you prefer it a touch warmer or the dressing has thickened up, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before stirring and serving. Avoid microwaving, as the creamy ingredients may separate.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting this salad rest in the fridge for several hours or overnight will only deepen the flavors. Just give it a gentle stir before serving and add fresh garnishes for a picture-perfect finish.

How spicy is Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad?

The heat level is delightfully mild when you remove the jalapeño seeds, making this friendly for most palates. For more kick, leave in some seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the bacon or swap in your favorite plant-based bacon alternative. Everything else stays the same, so you still get all that creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness in every bite.

Which pasta shapes work best?

Short, ridged or corkscrew-shaped pastas like rotini, fusilli, or elbows are perfect because they hold onto all the tasty dressing and mix-ins. Avoid long noodles, as they don’t mix as evenly.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, then rinse it immediately in cold water to halt the cooking process. This prevents overcooking and helps keep the salad light and refreshing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side dish that’s guaranteed to become a repeat request from friends and family, Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is it. Go ahead and whip up a big bowl for your next get-together—you’ll love watching everyone come back for seconds!

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic jalapeño popper appetizer, transformed into a creamy and flavorful pasta salad. Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and fresh jalapeños, this salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz rotini or elbow pasta

Creamy Dressing:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream

Flavorful Additions:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise and sour cream until well combined.
Add Ingredients: Add shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives. Fold in the cooled pasta and stir until evenly coated.
Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Garnish with extra chives and crispy bacon bits if desired.