For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of 2% milk. Adjust the amount of jalapenos to your desired level of spiciness. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Jalapeno Popper Mac 'n Cheese
-
PREP TIME25 mins
-
COOK TIME1 hrs 5 mins
-
TOTAL TIME1 hrs 40 mins
-
SERVING8 People
-
VIEWS12
This Jalapeno Popper Mac 'n Cheese elevates classic comfort food to a spicy, cheesy masterpiece. Creamy macaroni and cheese meet the fiery kick of jalapenos and the smoky crunch of bacon, all topped with a golden, crispy crust. It's an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate34 g
-
Cholesterol45 mg
-
Fiber1 g
-
Protein14 g
-
Saturated Fat9 g
-
Sodium786 mg
-
Sugar7 g
-
Fat16 g
-
Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
0 mins
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
02
Step
8 mins
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to pot; set aside.
03
Step
10 mins
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and jalapenos; cook until just softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in flour, coating vegetables well. Whisk in milk slowly until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
04
Step
5 mins
Season sauce with garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in processed cheese and cream cheese until melted and sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
05
Step
0 mins
Pour macaroni into cheese sauce and stir to coat completely. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
06
Step
10 mins
Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Cool briefly.
07
Step
0 mins
Crumble bacon and mix with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni. Top with jalapeno slices.
08
Step
40 mins
Bake, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
RECIPE REVIEWS
LEAVE A REVIEW
Please Rate
LATEST RECIPES
-
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
Donald Powlowski
Jun 19, 2025Next time, I'll try using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Hadley Heaney
Jun 18, 2025Easy to follow and the end result was delicious. I love the kick from the jalapeños!
Tyreek Oconner
Jun 13, 2025This recipe is amazing! The perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy. My family devoured it!
Belle Auer
Jun 7, 2025I added some smoked paprika to the breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of flavor. It was a hit!
Noemie Bernier
May 24, 2025The spice level was just right for me. I used fresh jalapenos from my garden and it turned out fantastic!