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Creamy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Bake

bacon jalapeño popper mac and cheese - featured image
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A rich, creamy mac and cheese casserole packed with smoky bacon, roasted jalapeños, and a velvety cheese sauce, finished with a crispy panko topping. Ready in 30 minutes, this comfort food classic is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 8 slices bacon (about 200g), cooked and chopped
  • 3 large jalapeños, seeded and diced (roasted)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole or 2% milk
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove, drain on paper towels, and chop. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add diced jalapeños to reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until softened and slightly charred, 3-4 minutes.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until golden and bubbling, 1-2 minutes.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and thickened, 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add cream cheese, whisking until fully melted and incorporated.
  8. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, 2-3 minutes.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, cheese sauce, sautéed jalapeños, and half the chopped bacon. Mix gently until evenly coated.
  10. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and panko bread crumbs. Drizzle with a little melted butter if desired.
  11. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta, flour, and panko. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add mushrooms or roasted peppers. Shred cheese yourself for best texture. Sauce thickens as it bakes. Make ahead by assembling without topping, refrigerate, then bake with crumbs. Adjust jalapeño heat to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, bacon, jalapeño popper, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked pasta, cheesy, spicy, potluck

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-bacon-jalape-n-o-popper-mac-and-cheese-bake-easy-30-minute-comfort-food/