Name: Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 cups elbow macaroni (cooked and cooled); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; to taste salt; to taste black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled); 2-3 fresh jalapeños (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; optional extra bacon crumbles; optional jalapeño slices

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a creamy, tangy, and irresistibly bold twist on your favorite pasta salad? You’ll absolutely love Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad! A crowd-pleaser at backyard BBQs or family get-togethers, this dish marries everything we adore about a classic jalapeño popper—cheesy goodness, smoky bacon, and that kick of spice—with family-friendly, comforting macaroni salad. Did you know the jalapeño popper was first created as a party snack in Texas? Today, it’s found its way into all sorts of dishes, but macaroni salad may just be the best canvas yet. Unlike your basic macaroni salad, this recipe is packed with layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone going back for seconds. If you enjoyed my Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this spicy, cheesy remix! Ready to take your side dish game up a notch? Let’s dive in and make a new favorite together!

What is Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad?

Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad—what a mouthful, right? But don’t worry, it’s all good stuff. Imagine the spicy, cheesy filling of a jalapeño popper tossed together with elbow macaroni, smoky bacon, and creamy sauce. Why call it “jalapeño popper”? Well, it’s basically everything you love about those legendary party bites, except someone asked, “What if we made a whole bowl of it?” You know what they say—the way to a man’s (or anyone’s!) heart is through his stomach. One bite, and you’ll see why this playful mash-up is a must-make. So, are you ready to shake up your next meal? Give this macaroni salad a try—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This

This Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad is pure comfort with a spicy twist. The main highlight? That irresistibly creamy, cheesy dressing wrapped around tender pasta, punctuated by smoky bacon and crisp jalapeños. Buying all the ingredients and making this dish at home means you’ll spend less than you would on store-bought deli salads, plus you’ll get the freshest flavors—and you can control the heat. What makes this recipe extra special is the combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions, creating the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. If you liked my Spicy Southwest Pasta Salad, you’ll adore the creamy richness and gentle heat in this one. Tempted? Gather your ingredients—this flavor-packed salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

How to Make

Quick Overview

What’s not to love about a creamy pasta salad that takes just 25 minutes of hands-on prep? Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad is easy to whip up for any occasion, big or small. It features a silken cream cheese dressing, toothsome elbow macaroni, generous cheddar, crispy bacon, and just enough jalapeño for a flavorful, but friendly, kick. A quick stint in the fridge lets all those dynamic flavors meld together, so you get the best bite every time. Fast to assemble and make-ahead friendly, this salad is the perfect pick for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 to 3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional: extra bacon crumbles and jalapeño slices for garnish

Directions

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside. (15 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. (5 minutes)
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, and green onions. Gently toss everything together until the macaroni is fully coated in the creamy mixture and the ingredients are evenly distributed. (5 minutes)
Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop its signature taste. (1 hour)
When ready to serve, give the salad a good toss. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles and fresh jalapeño slices if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What to Serve With

Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad is a superstar side dish, so serve it alongside grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, or pulled pork for the ultimate cookout feast. It also pairs beautifully with veggie skewers or a crisp garden salad for lighter affairs. For drinks, consider a cold lemonade, iced tea, or refreshing margarita to complement the spiciness and creaminess of the salad. If you want to stretch the meal, add a platter of fresh fruit or a crunchy coleslaw to round everything out.

Top Tips for Perfecting

For an ultra-smooth dressing, ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened before mixing—cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy salad. If you love extra crunch, reserve some bacon and green onions for garnishing just before serving. Want it hotter? Leave a few seeds in the jalapeños or swap in a spicier pepper. If you need to make this salad ahead, combine everything except the bacon and jalapeños, then stir those in just before serving to maintain their fresh texture. Avoid overcooking the pasta—al dente macaroni stands up best to the rich dressing.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the creamy sauce. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the dairy-based dressing may separate and lose its creamy texture. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can make the salad base a day ahead and keep the bacon and jalapeños separate until serving for maximum freshness. Reheating isn’t necessary, as this salad tastes best cold, but if you do want to take the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply remove all the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers altogether. You can even swap in mild bell pepper for a no-heat version.

Can I prepare Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad in advance?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made the night before. Just keep the bacon and some fresh jalapeños aside for stirring in right before serving.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can try using Greek yogurt or whipped cottage cheese in place of some or all of the cream cheese for a lighter version, but the salad will lose some of its jalapeño popper richness.

What other add-ins go well with this salad?
Diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of chili powder all add extra flavor and color.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Swap out regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just check the package for cook times and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad brings together the creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors of everyone’s favorite party snack in a dish perfect for any occasion. With its quick prep time, versatile toppings, and family-friendly appeal, this recipe makes an instant classic for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. If you’re craving a side that packs a punch and stands out from the crowd, give this salad a try. Don’t forget to explore other tasty salads and sides on the blog for even more recipe inspiration—happy cooking!