JALAPENO POPPER ORZO MAC-N-CHEESE

Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Kosher salt
1 pound orzo
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
6 jalapeno peppers; 4 seeded and finely chopped, 2 sliced with seeds
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups panko
2 Fresno chile peppers, sliced
5 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
2 almost-ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
EVOO, for drizzling
Juice of 2 limes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Steps:

For the mac-n-cheese: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the orzo until al dente, about 6 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped jalapenos, the garlic and onions and cook until the jalapenos and onions are soft, 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Cheddar and cream cheese and stir until melted.
Combine the orzo with the sauce and transfer to a casserole dish.
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and toss with the panko to coat. Sprinkle over the casserole and top with the sliced jalapenos and Fresno chiles.
For the guac salad: Gently toss the tomatoes, avocados, jalapenos and onions on a serving platter. Drizzle with EVOO and lime juice, season with salt and pepper and top with the cilantro.
Divide the orzo mac-n-cheese among plates and serve with the guac salad.