If you love the comforting richness of classic mac and cheese but crave a little spicy twist, the Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta infused with the smoky heat of jalapeños and crispy bacon bits, all crowned with a golden crunchy topping that takes every bite to the next level. This recipe brilliantly combines the lusciousness of a traditional mac and cheese with the vibrant, zesty flavors of jalapeño poppers, making it an irresistible dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s cozy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of the Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—pasta provides the hearty base, cheeses bring creamy depth and stretchy goodness, jalapeños add a zesty kick, while bacon and breadcrumbs add texture and smoky flavor.
- 16 oz elbow macaroni: Classic tubular pasta shape holds the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté jalapeños without overpowering their flavor.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Key for a rich roux and buttery topping.
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced: Adds that signature spicy pop without too much heat.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
- 3 cups whole milk: A smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds luscious richness and smooth texture.
- 6 oz cream cheese, cubed: Gives the sauce incredible creaminess and tang.
- 2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce: Boosts flavor with subtle heat and complexity.
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharpness balances the cream and spice.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Provides melty stretchiness.
- 12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky saltiness and savory crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs: For that irresistible crispy topping.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Binds breadcrumbs for golden browning.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Sharp umami punch mingling in the crumb topping.
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and mild color contrast.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9 x 13 baking dish so your mac and cheese doesn’t stick. Then, cook the elbow macaroni just shy of al dente—this is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, soaking up all the luscious cheese sauce without turning mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Jalapeños and Begin the Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add the diced jalapeños along with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté these until they soften and their vibrant flavor emerges, infusing your kitchen with a hint of spice. This step is the flavor foundation for that signature kick in the jalapeño popper flavor.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Gradually Add Dairy
Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook it just enough to eliminate the raw flour taste, about a minute or two. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. This slow addition yields a luxuriously smooth bechamel base for your cheese sauce.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses and TABASCO® Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese cubes until silky smooth. Then add your sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring gently until all the cheese melts into a perfectly creamy sauce. Finish by whisking in 2 teaspoons of TABASCO® Sauce, which amps up the savory heat without overwhelming the dish.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with the Cheese Sauce
Once your pasta has cooled slightly, fold it into the cheese sauce until every bite is generously coated. This step ensures that the jalapeño popper flavors and cheesy richness marry beautifully throughout the dish.
Step 6: Assemble with Bacon and Topping
Layer half the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, sprinkle a portion of the crumbled bacon on top, then add a handful of extra shredded cheese for gooey goodness. Repeat the layers, and finally, spread the breadcrumb mixture—panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika—on top to create a crunchy, flavorful crust that contrasts delightfully with creamy pasta underneath.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and irresistibly crispy. The bubbling cheese beneath will be the perfect signal that your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is done and ready to impress.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
If you like, sprinkle additional crumbled bacon and diced jalapeños on the baked dish for a fresh pop of flavor and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the amazing blend of spicy, creamy, and crunchy sensations in their fullest glory.
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving this dish is how easily you can jazz it up with a few simple garnishes. Fresh diced jalapeños provide vibrant color and a refreshing bite, extra crumbled bacon adds savory crunch, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley will brighten the plate with a touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
Balance the indulgence of this rich mac and cheese with bright, crisp sides like a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also pair perfectly, adding just the right amount of earthiness and contrast to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve the Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra bacon and breadcrumbs for personal casseroles. Alternatively, turn it into a hearty bake-off dinner by layering it with pulled chicken or topping with jalapeño slices stuffed inside the mac. Presentation can be casual or elevated with these small twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, but watch out for the crunchy topping—it’s best reheated or refreshed under a broiler to regain crispness.
Freezing
This jalapeño popper mac and cheese recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe dishes or bags and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For best texture, remove the cover in the last 5 minutes to restore the crispy topping. Microwaving works too, but you’ll lose some of that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! While bacon adds wonderful smoky depth, you can omit it for a vegetarian version or substitute with cooked sausage or smoked tofu for similar savory notes.
How spicy is the Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the seeded jalapeños and TABASCO® Sauce; it offers a pleasant kick without overwhelming most palates. You can adjust the amount of jalapeños or sauce to suit your spice preference.
What cheeses work best if I can’t find sharp cheddar?
Sharp cheddar adds a bright tangy flavor that balances richness. If unavailable, try aged white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of gouda and mild cheddar for a smooth, creamy melt.
Can I use gluten-free pasta and flour?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the cheese sauce perfectly creamy and thick.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
This dish is ideal for meal prepping because it reheats well and flavors develop over time. Just keep the crispy topping separate if possible to maintain its crunch when serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and exciting about the Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a big family, hosting friends, or just craving some indulgent cheesy goodness with a spicy twist, this recipe brings all the warmth, flavor, and fun to your table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and add your own special touches to make it truly your own!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, spicy twist on classic mac and cheese featuring jalapeños, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and a crunchy bacon-panko topping baked to golden perfection. This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese balances rich cheeses, smoky bacon, and a subtle heat that makes it an irresistible comfort food for any gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni cooked (or other tubular pasta)
Sauce
- 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
Toppings
- 12 oz bacon cooked and crumbled
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or your chosen tubular pasta until almost al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: In a large pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced jalapeños and sauté until they soften and release their aroma. Then whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for another 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy whipping cream while continuously whisking to form a smooth sauce. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the cream cheese cubes until melted and smooth. Add the TABASCO® Sauce, shredded sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, whisking until all cheeses melt fully and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated with the rich cheese mixture.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the panko crumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful crunchy topping.
- Layer and Assemble: Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and half of the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining mac and cheese, then the remaining cheese and bacon.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Evenly spread the prepared panko topping over the layered macaroni and cheese and bacon.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven, optionally garnish with additional bacon crumbles and sliced jalapeños for extra heat and flavor, and serve hot for a comforting, spicy mac and cheese experience.
Notes
- For less heat, reduce the number of jalapeños or leave some seeds intact.
- You can substitute the elbow macaroni with cavatappi or rigatoni for a different texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Cook the bacon crisp for better texture contrast.
- Tabasco sauce adds a subtle vinegar tang; adjust quantity to taste.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and bake fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
