This jalapeno popper mac and cheese is a creamy and spicy blend with four cheeses, bacon, jalapenos and a crispy topping. The ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe!
If you love jalapeno poppers, you’ll adore this unique take on macaroni and cheese. It’s got all the flavors of the classic appetizer mixed with creamy, cheesy pasta.
Mac and cheese is one of those classic comfort foods that people always adore. I love mixing up the traditional dish from time to time by adding bold flavors like in this jalapeno popper mac and cheese. I’ve simply added in some spice and a crispy topping to take things up a notch, while still maintaining all the creamy and cheesy goodness.
HOW DO YOU MAKE JALAPENO POPPER MAC AND CHEESE?
This spicy mac and cheese is made with a creamy blend of of four cheeses, bacon, jalapenos, and a perfectly crispy topping. The pasta is simmered in milk before the cheeses are stirred in to make the base of this dish. A generous amount of bacon and diced jalapeno get stirred in, and the finishing touch is the buttery panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.
When it comes to making this jalapeno mac and cheese, any combination of cheeses can be used. I typically use a combination of cream cheese, white cheddar, and white American for an ultra creamy macaroni. You can also use Monterey jack cheese, or if you like your mac extra spicy, try pepper jack cheese!
White american cheese can be found at the deli counter in most grocery stores. You can use fresh jalapenos or jarred pickled jalapenos for this spicy mac and cheese. If you prefer a mild dish, remove the ribs and seeds from the peppers before dicing them up. Add your breadcrumb and parmesan topping, then bake until golden brown.
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR CHEESE TO USE WITH MAC AND CHEESE?
Everyone has a different preference when it comes to the cheese they like to use in their mac and cheese dishes. However, there are a few cheeses that are more common than others with this comfort food dish. The top five cheeses used in mac and cheese are parmesan, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, smoked gouda, and fontina.
WHAT IS THE BEST PASTA TO USE IN MAC AND CHEESE?
Just about any type of short pasta will do when it comes to the classic mac and cheese dish. However, elbow macaroni has long been one of the most popular pasta choices. Shells and cavatappi pasta are also both popular choices. I’ve used cavatappi pasta here because I love how the sauce clings to those long spirals.
This jalapeno popper mac and cheese was one of the easiest dishes I’ve made and it actually ended up being dinner and not just a side dish. Although it works great as a side dish, it’s hearty enough that it could definitely be the main meal. We’ve already added this cheesy dish to our menu for next week’s dinner choices.
MORE PASTA RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Cheeseburger Pasta
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Taco Pasta
- Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1 pound short pasta such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese can also use Monterey Jack or regular orange cheddar
- 1 cup white American cheese shredded or diced
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup minced jalapenos fresh or pickled, remove seeds and veins to keep the heat level down
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- additional bacon and jalapenos for garnish optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour, then whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened.
- Add the milk and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the macaroni, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done.
- Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, American and cream cheeses. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the jalapenos and bacon.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until topping is light brown. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve, garnished with additional bacon and jalapenos if desired.
This was so good! I used white cheddar and gruyere and it was delicious. I added a caramelized onion to it as well.
Love your additions, glad you enjoyed it!
Think you left a step out: add in the bacon crumbles and diced jalapenos.
Thanks I fixed it!
Suggestions on replacements for American cheese? Those of us outside the US can’t buy it!
I’d just use all cheddar!
thanks! I wish I could buy it – maybe in a few years when I move back!
I am amazed at the extent to which macaroni and cheese has been elevated in the last decade. This recipe is a prime example. It looks absolutely awesome!
What a great idea mac and cheese with bacon! Why didn’t I think of that!
When I first starting reading this I was thinking, “Maybe I can make this with instant mac and cheese…” You know, because I’m lazy. But after reading the whole recipe and looking at those mouth-watering pictures, there’s no WAY I’m using instant! This looks fantastic and definitely worth the extra effort. I can’t wait to try it.
This sounds really good. I bet my kids would love this!
There’s nothing better than homemade mac and cheese. I love that you added jalapenos to this dish. This absolutely sounds like a delicious comfort meal!!
Yummy! This recipe looks so savory and so flavorful. My son would love this recipe.
My two favorite things….jalapeño poppers and mac and cheese, yum!! I will definitely be trying this soon!!
What an awesome twist to your usual mac and cheese recipe! I think this one’s bursting with flavor and it’s something that people will like as well. I’d love to try and recreate it!
One of our neighborhood restaurants made a similar dish last week, but yours looks better! I am sharing your recipe with him!
What an interesting take on mac and cheese-I like it! I think the added kick of the jalapeno would be good.
That looks amazing. I love jalapenos on everything so this is right up my alley.
I haven’t had Mac and Cheese in ages! I love that you put a spicy spin on this, I’m always adding a bit of cayenne or hot pepper flakes to my dishes. Need to use jalapeño more often!
Jalapenos are a must, for me, in my husband’s homemade mac n’ cheese. He’s never combined it with bacon so I will be sharing this with him ASAP!
This is the perfect dish to make and serve at the Back to School Teachers Luncheon I need to make something and bring to. As well as for the Back to School Neighborhood party I am hosting.
We grow a ton of jalapeños in our garden. Using them in mac and cheese really ups the mac and cheese game to an adult version. Funny how one little addition changes a dish completely.
This would go over well at my house. You had me at jalapeno popper AND mac and cheese in the same title. I have to try this one. I can tell it’s a winner – comfort food to the max!
Oh yum! I have never had anything like this before, but I am super excited to make it. It is definitely going to be a huge hit with my whole family!