If you’re ready to wow your taste buds with everything you love about comfort food, Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, cheesy macaroni swirled with creamy cheese sauce, punched up with smoky bacon, and highlighted by the perfect undercurrent of fresh jalapeños. It’s the ideal intersection between two legendary favorites: rich mac and cheese and everyone’s party favorite, jalapeño poppers. This dish brings bold flavors and a delightfully crispy topping, delivering a little heat, a lot of creaminess, and loads of satisfaction in every forkful.

Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese recipe comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients that each play a starring role. From cool, creamy cheeses to the bright, zesty punch of jalapeños, everything in this list adds a unique flavor or texture for that unforgettable bite!

12 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic performer—its shape catches all that luscious sauce in every mouthful.
4 slices bacon, chopped: Smoky, crispy bits infused throughout for serious flavor bonus.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the jalapeños and garlic.
2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped: The zesty heart of the dish; remove seeds for a nice zing without overpowering spice.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Savory undertone that rounds everything out beautifully.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Key to creating that irresistibly creamy, thick cheese sauce.
2 cups whole milk: The foundation for your rich, silky roux-based sauce.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Lends a trademark tang and ultra-creamy texture reminiscent of popper filling.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness brings depth, while the melt factor is dreamy.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: For gooey melt and a mellow creaminess that balances every bite.
½ teaspoon salt: Brightens all the layered flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle, earthy kick that ties it all together.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Extra crunchy topping that sends this over the top.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps toast the panko to golden perfection.
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smoky warmth for popper authenticity.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Cook until just al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you want it to hold up to the cheese sauce without going mushy during baking.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chopped bacon until it’s deeply golden and crispy. As the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen, transfer those tasty bits to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet. This bacon not only adds smoky bite but forms a key part of the topping, too!

Step 3: Sauté Jalapeños and Garlic

Add the butter right into the hot skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Once melted, toss in your finely chopped jalapeños and minced garlic. Let them sizzle for just a couple of minutes, releasing their flavors and fragrance. This step lays the groundwork for the signature “popper” note in your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir constantly for about a minute—it forms a roux that will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, pouring slowly to avoid lumps. Allow everything to bubble and thicken, stirring, for about 3–4 minutes, then lower the heat. Now, whisk in the cream cheese until completely melted and velvety smooth.

Step 5: Stir in Cheeses & Season

Once your base is creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Add both the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring gently until they melt into a smooth, glossy sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper—taste and adjust as you like!

Step 6: Combine and Assemble

Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well coated. Fold in half of the crispy bacon, reserving the rest for topping. Pour the cheesy bacon-mac mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 7: Top and Bake

For the iconic jalapeño popper crunch, mix together panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the top of your mac and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes—when the top is golden and bubbly and the whole house smells incredible, it’s ready.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Top your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese with the reserved crispy bacon and extra slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños for added color and a little extra zing. A sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions lifts the flavor, and a squeeze of lime can add a surprising brightness!

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and decadent, so it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted veggies or a big bowl of simple steamed broccoli make great sides, helping balance the creamy indulgence with something fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese into single-serve ramekins for party appetizers, or scoop it into baked bell pepper halves for a fun, colorful twist. You can even stuff the leftovers into grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate next-day treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so it’s just as delicious the next day—perfect for meal prepping lunches or a quick dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep some for a rainy day, portion the cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the crunchy panko topping, then add it fresh before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but add a splash of milk and stir halfway for the creamiest results.

FAQs

Can I make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute with a smoky vegetarian bacon alternative. All the cheese and jalapeño goodness stays front and center for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes—remove the seeds and membranes from your jalapeños before chopping. If you want even milder heat, use just one jalapeño or substitute with milder peppers like poblano or Anaheim.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Elbow macaroni gives you classic results and soaks up the sauce perfectly, but feel free to use shells, cavatappi, or even penne if that’s what you have. Just aim for shapes that can trap the cheese in their nooks and crannies!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish. The bake time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the top and make sure it’s golden and bubbling before serving.

Is Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You’ll still get all that creamy, cheesy jalapeño magic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving crave-worthy comfort food that’s just bold enough to keep things interesting, Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese will never let you down. This is one of those recipes that brings a smile at the first (and second… and third) bite, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Gather your favorite people, grab a big, melty scoop, and enjoy the ultimate fusion of creamy mac and jalapeño popper goodness!

Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this spicy and creamy Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese, a comfort food favorite with a kick. Creamy cheese sauce, jalapeños, and crispy bacon make this a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

12 ounces elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, sauté jalapeños and garlic. Add flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Add cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and bake: Stir in cooked macaroni and bacon. Transfer to a baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and smoked paprika, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with remaining bacon and extra sliced jalapeños if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American