If you love the irresistible combo of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, then this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. This dish takes classic mac and cheese up a notch with the bold flavors of diced jalapeños and smoky bacon cooked right into a luscious, cheesy sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with a golden crunchy crust. It’s the perfect balance of spicy kick, creamy indulgence, and crunchy texture that will satisfy your cravings and leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe? The ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures—from the sharp cheddar’s tang to the smoky bacon’s depth and the creamy body from cream cheese and milk.
- 12 oz elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully and offers just the right chew.
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky richness and a crispy element that complements the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for creating the roux and adding a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Boosts creaminess and gives a slight tang that balances the heat.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, sharp flavor that’s signature to mac and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly for a mellow, buttery texture.
- 2–3 jalapeños (seeded and diced): The star ingredient adding that signature spicy kick; keep some seeds if you love it hotter.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth without overpowering the jalapeños.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Necessary seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy topping for contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Tossed with breadcrumbs to help them toast golden and crisp perfectly.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning just tender but still with a little bite. Then drain it well and set aside, because getting that perfect pasta texture lays the foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and let it cook for about one minute to form a roux. Then, slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, which usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and blend in the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
Step 3: Add Jalapeños and Bacon
To the luscious cheese sauce, stir in the diced jalapeños and crumbled bacon. This is where the Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe truly shines—those spicy, smoky flavors mingle with the creamy sauce creating a lively bite in every spoonful. If you want to ramp up the heat, leave a few jalapeño seeds in!
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture until each piece is coated generously. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle this on top of the mac and cheese to add a crispy, golden crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for five minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle perfectly.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe, consider sprinkling fresh chopped chives or scallions on top. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy and creamy elements. For an extra bit of indulgence, a drizzle of sour cream or a few dollops of cream cheese on top right before serving can be heavenly.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese stands tall on its own, but if you want an accompanying side, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even a simple tomato salad, provide fresh contrast and brighten the meal without competing with the bold flavors in your dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe a centerpiece by serving it in small individual ramekins or cast iron skillets straight from the oven, complete with the golden topping still sizzling. Another fun idea is to stuff the mac and cheese into halved, roasted bell peppers for a whimsical presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day. Keep it well covered to avoid drying out the top crust.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. After baking and cooling completely, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to help retain the crispy topping. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, but you might lose some crunch that way. Add a quick sprinkle of panko and broil for a few minutes if you want to revive the topping’s crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, and you have a delicious vegetarian version that still packs bold flavors thanks to the jalapeños and rich cheeses.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
The heat mostly comes from the diced jalapeños. Removing the seeds lowers the heat, and leaving some seeds in increases it. You can adjust by using more or fewer jalapeños depending on your spice tolerance.
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack?
Feel free to use a mix of cheeses that melt well and have complementary flavors, like Colby, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
Can I use gluten-free pasta or flour in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free elbow macaroni works perfectly, and a gluten-free flour or cornstarch can substitute for all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Just keep an eye on the sauce consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for the creamy, cheesy texture and flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, you’d need to use vegan cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan butter, but results may vary and it might not have the exact same richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dish that combines creamy comfort with a zesty, smoky punch, this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s straightforward to make, balances bold flavors brilliantly, and satisfies that craving for something both cozy and exciting. Grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a cheesy adventure that feels like a warm hug with a little spicy wink.
Print
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy comfort food with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños and crispy bacon. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make roux for cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste without browning.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Incorporate cheeses and seasoning: Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt together into a smooth sauce.
- Mix in jalapeños and bacon: Stir the diced jalapeños and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce, reserving a small amount of bacon for topping if desired.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and mix gently to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy jalapeño-bacon sauce.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to set slightly.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in when dicing.
- To achieve a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon entirely.
