If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy comfort food with a lively kick of spice, look no further than this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe. It elevates traditional mac and cheese to a whole new level by incorporating the tantalizing flavors of jalapeños, smoky bacon, and rich cream cheese, resulting in a dish that is both indulgent and addictive. Whether for family gatherings, game day snacks, or a cozy dinner, this recipe promises bold flavors, luscious textures, and that perfect crispy topping everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta that provides the base, to the blend of cheeses that create the creamy sauce, and the jalapeños that spice things up just right.
- 16 oz elbow macaroni: Choose a tubular pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps prevent pasta sticking.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, velvety roux base for your cheese sauce.
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced: Bring the characteristic heat and fresh flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly while keeping it smooth.
- 3 cups whole milk: The creamy foundation that balances the spice and cheese.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds luxurious richness to make every bite silky.
- 6 oz cream cheese, cubed: Provides tang and extra creaminess akin to jalapeño poppers themselves.
- 2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce: A subtle, vinegary punch to deepen the flavor profile.
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The sharpness cuts through the cream and complements the spice.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts smoothly to tie everything together.
- 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky crunch and decadent savoriness.
- 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs: For that irresistibly crispy topping.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Binds the panko crumbs and provides golden color.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds nutty complexity to the crust.
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika: Adds warmth and a beautiful finish to the topping.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your mac and cheese won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a beautiful golden finish. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni until it is just shy of al dente — it should have a little bite because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Step 2: Sauté the Jalapeños and Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeños and sauté until they soften and release their fragrance, which brings the signature spicy zing to the dish. Then whisk in the flour, cooking it thoroughly but carefully to avoid lumps. This step is key as it forms the base of your creamy cheese sauce.
Step 3: Whisk in the Milk and Cream
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy whipping cream while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Let this mixture gently thicken over medium heat. Once your sauce base is ready, add the cubed cream cheese. Its tangy richness melds with the other dairy components, resulting in ultra creamy mac and cheese that’s reminiscent of classic jalapeño poppers.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses and Season
Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth. To amplify the flavor, whisk in 2 teaspoons of TABASCO® Sauce — just enough to elevate without overpowering. This combination delivers layers of savory, spicy, and melty goodness all at once.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Once the cheese sauce is ready, toss in the drained pasta and fold everything gently until every piece is thoroughly coated with that glorious sauce. This melding ensures each bite bursts with the perfect balance of creaminess and heat.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer half of the mac and cheese to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar, half of the crumbled bacon, then add the remaining mac and cheese. Top with the rest of the cheese and bacon for extra flavor and texture. In a separate bowl, combine the panko crumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and paprika, then scatter this mixture evenly over the top. Bake the dish until the topping turns golden brown and crunchy, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
For an added pop of freshness and heat, garnish with additional bacon and some diced jalapeños just before serving. Serve this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe hot to fully enjoy all the layers of melty cheese and spicy goodness.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chopped scallions add a vibrant touch and some extra punch. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce can further enhance the spicy character of this dish.
Side Dishes
Since the mac and cheese is rich and hearty, pair it with lighter sides such as a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to balance the intensity of flavors. Grilled corn on the cob or a simple cucumber salad also complements this dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the mac and cheese in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for individual portions that look charming and help keep the cheesy crust intact. You can also use hollowed-out bell peppers as edible bowls for a colorful twist that adds texture and a mild sweetness balancing the heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can safely keep for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to stash some away. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, consider freezing it before baking; then bake directly from frozen, adding a little extra time to reach that bubbly crust.
Reheating
When reheating, cover the mac and cheese with foil to prevent drying out and warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, a microwave will work well for smaller portions—add a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, tubular or short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi work wonderfully to hold that cheesy sauce.
How spicy is this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the seeded jalapeños. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the jalapeños and TABASCO® Sauce; for more heat, leave some seeds in or add extra hot sauce.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if needed?
You can use mascarpone or even a mix of ricotta and sour cream for a slightly different but still creamy texture. Cream cheese really brings that signature popper tang, though, so it’s ideal.
Is it okay to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to the assembly stage, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, sprinkle the panko topping and bake. This makes entertaining much easier without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding roasted peppers or smoked paprika to boost the smoky flavor for a delicious meatless version.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms classic comfort food into a bold, spirited dish packed with creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of kick. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, especially if you love that irresistible combination of spicy and creamy. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day and tastes like pure joy on a plate.
Print
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is a creamy, spicy twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and a hint of heat from fresh jalapeños. Crisp bacon and a crunchy panko topping complete this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 jalapeños, seeded, membranes removed, and diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to ensure the mac and cheese won’t stick during baking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni until it’s almost al dente, meaning it should be slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a pan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and sauté the diced jalapeños until fragrant and softened. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking it gently to avoid lumps. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cream cheese cubes and TABASCO® Sauce. Once smooth, mix in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooled cooked pasta into the prepared cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and bacon over the top. Add the remaining mac and cheese layer. In a bowl, mix the panko crumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika, then spread this mixture evenly on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, optionally top with remaining crumbled bacon and diced jalapeños for added flavor and crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your indulgent Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese.
Notes
- Remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños to reduce heat if preferred milder flavor.
- Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Panko topping adds crunch; substitute with breadcrumbs if unavailable.
- Use full-fat dairy for best creamy texture and flavor.
- Bacon can be replaced with turkey bacon or omitted for a non-pork version.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
