Jalapeño Popper Macaroni and Cheese is a fun twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy macaroni combined with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the crunchy delight of crispy bacon bits gives this dish a lively mix of flavors and textures. If you like your mac and cheese with a bit of heat and a little extra something special, this is going to quickly become a favorite.
I love making this dish when I want something cozy with a bite of excitement. The way the jalapeños push through the cheesy sauce just makes every spoonful exciting, and the crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a perfect contrast. I often sneak in a little extra cheese on top because, well, who can resist extra cheese?
One of my favorite ways to serve this mac and cheese is as a side for a casual dinner with friends or family. It goes great with simple grilled chicken or burgers, but honestly, it’s delicious all on its own. I find that the spicy, creamy, and crunchy combo makes it a dish that everyone asks for again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeños: They give this mac and cheese its signature spicy kick. If you want it milder, remove the seeds or swap for a milder green pepper like poblano. For more heat, try serranos!
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and saltiness. Turkey bacon works if you want it leaner. No bacon? Try smoked paprika in the cheese sauce for that smoky flavor.
Cream Cheese: This makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. You can substitute with mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but add it off heat to avoid curdling.
Cheddar and Monterey Jack: Cheddar gives sharpness, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully for creaminess. Swap cheddar for Colby or Gouda if preferred.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These keep the topping crispy. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work too. Toss them in melted butter for a golden crunchy top!
How Can I Make a Smooth and Creamy Cheese Sauce without Clumps?
Making the cheese sauce involves creating a roux, then gradually adding milk and cheese for perfect smoothness. Here’s the trick:
- Cook butter and flour for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste but don’t brown it.
- Slowly whisk in the milk bit by bit to avoid lumps.
- Keep the sauce on medium heat and stir constantly until thickened.
- Add cream cheese off the highest heat so it melts gently and blends smoothly.
- Finally, stir in shredded cheeses little by little to prevent clumping.
Patience and steady stirring make all the difference for a creamy, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta piece.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the macaroni until perfectly al dente.
- Large skillet – great for cooking the bacon and sautéing the jalapeños in one pan.
- Whisk – essential for making a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
- Baking dish – to bake and crisp up the mac and cheese topping evenly.
- Mixing spoon – for stirring the pasta and cheese sauce together gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a smoky, creamy twist that pairs well with jalapeños.
- Add cooked shredded chicken to make it a hearty main dish with extra protein.
- Include roasted corn kernels for a sweet contrast to the spicy peppers.
- Try swapping bacon for diced ham or omit for a vegetarian option; add extra spices like smoked paprika to boost flavor.
Jalapeño Popper Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Mix-Ins:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional for garnish)
- Butter (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook the macaroni, plus about 10-15 minutes to make the cheese sauce and mix-ins. It then needs 20-25 minutes baking time in the oven until the topping is crispy and golden. Overall, plan for around 45-55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni and Prepare Bacon & Jalapeños:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set it aside. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Place cooked bacon on paper towels, then crumble it once cool. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet. Use the skillet to quickly sauté the jalapeño slices for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly; then remove and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, around 5-7 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mixing until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Combine and Bake:
Add the cooked macaroni, sautéed jalapeños, and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated beautifully. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your mac and cheese. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and, if you like, garnish with chopped chives. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Jalapeños for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen jalapeños—just thaw them completely and pat dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon or replace it with smoky roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika to keep that savory flavor without meat.
Can I Prepare Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake uncovered as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it feels too thick.
