Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Shells
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Shells are jumbo shells loaded with the kick of jalapenos, bacon, and a cream cheese filling, smothered in a cheese sauce and even more cheese on top!
Servings: 8
Calories: 846kcal
Ingredients
Shells
- 12 ounces jumbo shells, uncooked
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 g) 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 (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (31.25 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (490 g) whole milk
- 2 cups (480 g) chicken stock
- 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- reserved crumbled bacon
- reserved diced jalapeno
Instructions
Shells
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a large oven-safe skillet or 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- 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.
- Pipe the mixture equally into each uncooked shell. Place into the prepared baking dish.
Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown). Gradually pour in the milk and chicken stock, whisking constantly. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper.
Baking
- Pour the cheese sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure the shells are covered.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes, or until bubbly and cooked through.
- After cooking for 50 minutes, carefully remove the foil and top with the shredded cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese has browned.
- Serve immediately, topped with reserved bacon and diced jalapeno peppers.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 846kcal