Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate comfort food mashup, Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is about to make your cheesy, spicy dreams come true! This recipe brings together all the oozy, indulgent flavors of classic jalapeño poppers—creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a hint of heat—swirled into the coziest baked mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is that it uses simple, staple ingredients, but each plays an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Here’s why every component deserves a spot in your dish!

• Elbow Macaroni: The pasta’s shape soaks up cheesy sauce, but any sturdy, short-tubed pasta works beautifully here!
• Olive Oil: Tossed with the cooked pasta, this keeps it from sticking together while you prep the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: The buttery base for the sauce gives richness and helps “fry” up the panko topping.
• Fresh Jalapeños: Seeded and diced for just the right amount of heat—add more or less depending on your spice preference.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce to perfect, luscious consistency.
• Whole Milk & Heavy Whipping Cream: The blend of both makes your sauce velvety and extra decadent.
• Cream Cheese: This gives that classic jalapeño popper tang and extra creaminess—don’t skip it!
• TABASCO® Sauce: Just a splash for subtle heat and tang that makes the flavors “pop.”
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The main cheese for bold flavor and bold color—use freshly grated if possible!
• Mozzarella Cheese: For stretchiness and mild, creamy melt.
• Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crisp—adds crunch and loads of savory flavor in every bite.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (for topping): Create that irresistibly crispy topping—way crunchier than classic breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth to the golden topping.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the breadcrumb topping. Use regular paprika if preferred.

Variations

One of the best things about Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is how easy it is to riff on—make it yours, tailor the spice, or swap things based on what you have in the fridge!

• Make It Vegetarian: Just skip the bacon or swap in meatless crumbles or smoked sun-dried tomatoes for a still-savory touch.
• Turn Up the Heat: Keep the jalapeño seeds, add an extra diced jalapeño, or drizzle in a little more TABASCO® if you want more kick.
• Mix Up The Cheeses: Try pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra melt and a milder flavor twist, or a sprinkle of smoked gouda for depth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend—no one will know the difference!

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook Pasta & Prep Cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish. Cook your elbow macaroni (or favorite tubular pasta) just until one minute shy of al dente—this keeps it perfectly textured after baking. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside. In a large bowl, combine your shredded cheddar and mozzarella so you’re ready to build layers of flavor later on!

Step 2: Build the Cheese Sauce

In a deep saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your fresh diced jalapeños and sauté for about two minutes until fragrant, stirring often. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for another minute until it’s bubbly and just starting to turn golden. Now, slowly whisk in your milk and heavy cream, making sure it’s totally smooth and lump-free. Bring this to a gentle simmer; let it bubble for a minute or two while you continue whisking for a gorgeously thick base.

Step 3: Finish & Assemble the Sauce

Lower the heat and add the cubed cream cheese and TABASCO® Sauce. Stir until the cream cheese melts right in, lending luscious body to your sauce. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheese—start with about two cups, then add another cup and a half—until everything is melted, thick, and oh-so-creamy! Taste for seasoning and adjust if you want another dash of heat.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Gently fold your cooled pasta into that dreamy cheese sauce, stirring until every noodle is coated in cheesy, spicy goodness. This step is where the magic happens—don’t worry if it looks a bit saucy, as it’ll thicken and set up in the oven.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Pour half your jalapeño popper mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over another layer of your reserved cheese, then two-thirds of the crumbled bacon. Top with the rest of the mac and cheese. In a small bowl, blend the panko crumbs, melted butter, parmesan, and paprika, then scatter evenly across the top. That way you’ll get irresistible crispy bites on every scoop.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes so the cheese and sauce set slightly—then top with the remaining bacon and (if you like) extra sliced jalapeños for a gorgeous finish. Serve right away while it’s hot and gooey!

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A finishing flourish does wonders for this dish! Try a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon, fresh parsley, sliced jalapeños (for those who like it hot), or even a drizzle of hot sauce over each serving. Every garnish adds color and a little pop of flavor that makes Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese feel extra-celebratory.

Side Dishes

While this mac and cheese easily steals the show on its own, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted broccoli for some freshness. Cornbread or garlic bread also make dreamy partners for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins for single servings at parties, or pile it high on a platter and top with a lattice of bacon strips for a dazzling family-style statement. Hosting game day? Serve miniature portions in muffin tins for the ultimate hand-held snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, and the topping stays satisfyingly crunchy for a day or two.

Freezing

Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking (without the panko topping), then add the topping fresh when you’re ready to bake and serve.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbling hot (about 15-20 minutes). If the mac and cheese seems a little thick, stir in a splash of milk before heating to bring back its creaminess. For single portions, the microwave works, too—just heat gently and pause to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese and experience all the creamy, spicy, crunchy magic for yourself! Whether it’s for a crowd or just cozy night-in comfort food, this mashup is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your creations!

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