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Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

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Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese combines two classic dishes into one epic meal. The jalapeno popper is deconstructed and mixed in with macaroni and cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy meal.

The secret to making the ultimate macaroni and cheese lies within this classic appetizer. Cream cheese adds a level of creaminess you can’t get from just melted cheese.

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese in a black casserole dish

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Ingredients

To make this jalapeno popper casserole, you will need the following ingredients (see the recipe card below for exact amounts):

  • macaroni pasta
  • bacon
  • butter
  • jalapeños
  • all purpose flour
  • salt and pepper
  • milk
  • cream cheese
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • shredded monterey or cheddar jack cheese
  • panko bread crumbs
  • shredded parmesan cheese
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Ingredients arranged in bowls in a flat lay

How to Make Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in jalapeños and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
  3. Whisk in flour, letting it cook for at least 1 minute to cook out the raw flavor. Whisk in salt, pepper and milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce starts to thicken.
  4. Stir in cream cheese and both shredded cheeses and whisk until completely smooth.
  5. Stir in the cooked macaroni and bacon pieces and remove from heat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together bread crumbs, melted butter and parmesan cheese. Top the macaroni with bread crumb mixture in an even layer.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and serve with more jalapeno slices.
Collage of Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe Steps

Storage Instructions

Store macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I Freeze Mac and Cheese?

I do not recommend freezing backed mac and cheese. However, make sure to add liquid (milk) when reheating baked macaroni and cheese if you do freeze it.

What Noodles Can I Use for Mac and Cheese?

Macaroni noodles are best for mac and cheese, but any tube style noodles will do. This includes ziti, rigatoni, penne, and elbow pasta.

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

More Mac and Cheese Variations

Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese in a black bowl

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese combines two classic dishes into one epic meal. The jalapeno popper is deconstructed and mixed in with macaroni and cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy meal.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 948 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb macaroni pasta cooked in salt water according to package directions until al dente
  • 12 oz bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled/finely chopped
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 large jalapeños deseeded and finely minced
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 3 cups milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded monterey or cheddar jack cheese

For the Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup salted butter melted
  • ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • Jalapeño slices for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in jalapeños and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
  • Whisk in flour, letting it cook for at least 1 minute to cook out the raw flavor. Whisk in salt, pepper and milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Stir in cream cheese and both shredded cheeses and whisk until completely smooth.
  • Stir in the cooked macaroni and bacon pieces and remove from heat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, stir together bread crumbs, melted butter and parmesan cheese. Top the macaroni with bread crumb mixture in an even layer.
  • Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and serve with more jalapeno slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 948kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 35gFat: 62gSaturated Fat: 33gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1182mgPotassium: 474mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1486IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 664mgIron: 2mg

The nutrition information is calculated using online nutrition calculators and may not be accurate. It is provided as a general guide only.

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Recipe Rating




Emily Enchanted

Thursday 4th of August 2022

I love this recipe because it adds a bit of spice to a cheesy comfort food.