Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and just a little bit spicy, this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the best parts of your favorite jalapeño poppers—crispy bacon, tangy cream cheese, and the perfect hint of heat—melded into a lusciously cheesy pasta bake. It’s comfort food that knows how to party, ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or whenever you need a big bowl of cheesy happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create this show-stopping Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: from the bold cheeses that melt into the creamiest sauce, to the smoky bacon and fresh jalapeños that bring all the flavor fireworks.
- Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): Holds onto all that creamy, cheesy sauce for the perfect bite every time.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible crunch and smoky, savory depth to every forkful.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates the base for your luscious cheese sauce and gives the topping a golden finish.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that classic, velvety texture.
- Whole milk (2 cups, warmed): Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and helps all the cheeses melt beautifully.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The secret to that signature jalapeño popper tang and richness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Delivers bold, classic mac and cheese flavor and that signature orange hue.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds creamy meltiness and a bit of stretch.
- Jalapeños (2–3, seeded and finely chopped): Bring just the right amount of heat—add more or less to suit your spice preference.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Give the topping its signature crunch.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Helps the panko crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor to the golden topping.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente—remember, it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside, so it’s ready to absorb all that glorious cheese sauce later.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon pieces until they’re golden and irresistibly crispy. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels, reserving about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Add the butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color—this makes your sauce super smooth and lump-free. Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 3–4 minutes). Drop in the cream cheese and stir until completely melted, then add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped jalapeños and most of the bacon (save a little for topping).
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to your skillet, tossing gently to ensure every noodle gets coated in that dreamy, cheesy, jalapeño-studded sauce. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld and the pasta soaks up all that goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Add the Crunchy Topping
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing the top. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta; this topping bakes up golden and crispy, just like the crust of your favorite jalapeño popper.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling. For extra crunch, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your masterpiece by scattering the reserved bacon and a handful of chopped green onions or parsley over the top. Serve your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe piping hot and watch it disappear in seconds!
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! Sprinkle over more crispy bacon, a handful of fresh green onions, or some bright parsley to give your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe a burst of flavor and color. For extra heat, try a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño on top.
Side Dishes
This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or classic barbecue favorites like grilled chicken or ribs. The creamy, spicy pasta is the perfect partner for just about anything.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins, as a side at your next potluck, or even spooned into mini bell peppers for a playful twist. It’s also fantastic scooped into a bowl and topped with a fried egg for a decadent brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated bite even more delicious, and the creamy sauce stays luscious.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe. Simply let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. If the topping needs a crunch boost, broil for a minute or two before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the bacon for your favorite meatless alternative or skip it entirely. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the cheeses, jalapeños, and creamy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s got a gentle kick, but you’re totally in charge of the heat. For a milder flavor, use fewer jalapeños or remove all the seeds and membranes. If you’re a spice lover, add an extra pepper or leave in some seeds!
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! The Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is flexible—try smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavors. Just make sure at least one cheese is a good melter for the creamiest sauce.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short, tube-shaped pasta works great. Shells, cavatappi, or rotini all hold the sauce beautifully and give each bite a different texture.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, covered. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle on the topping and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple whenever you crave comfort with a spicy twist. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it for every potluck, game day, or just a cozy night in—go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let the cheesy magic begin!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is a deliciously spicy twist on classic mac and cheese. Combining creamy cheese sauce with zesty jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this baked dish is perfect for comfort food lovers seeking a little heat. Cream cheese and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella create an irresistibly rich and creamy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Bacon and Vegetables
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but one tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet.
- Make Roux and Cheese Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted. Then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Jalapeños and Bacon: Stir in the finely chopped jalapeños and most of the cooked bacon, reserving a small amount for topping. Fold in the cooked pasta until it is completely coated with the cheese sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the reserved bacon and chopped green onions or parsley over the top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
- For an extra crunchy topping, broil the baked dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- For a smokier flavor, substitute smoked cheddar cheese or add a pinch of chipotle powder to the cheese sauce.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by using meatless bacon or omitting bacon entirely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/5th of the recipe)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
