Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this spicy and creamy Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese. Loaded with bacon, jalapeños, and a blend of cheeses, this stovetop mac and cheese is topped with crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water and cook macaroni per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion and jalapeños in bacon fat and butter until soft. Add garlic, flour, milk, and cheeses. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Mix pasta, bacon, and sauce. Top with breadcrumb mixture. Broil until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For extra heat, keep some jalapeño seeds or use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
