Description
Indulge in the spicy and creamy goodness of Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese, a comforting twist on a classic dish. This recipe combines the heat of jalapeños with the richness of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with crispy bacon for an irresistible flavor explosion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: Crisp bacon in a skillet, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: Cook jalapeños, garlic, and flour in bacon grease. Add milk, cheeses, salt, and pepper; stir until creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Mix cooked pasta, bacon, and cheese sauce. Optionally top with breadcrumbs toasted in butter. Finish with remaining bacon and serve hot.
Notes
- For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bacon, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- You can add diced chicken or extra jalapeños for a spicier variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop (or Baked)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
