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Crispy Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese

jalapeño popper mac and cheese - featured image
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A bold, comforting baked mac and cheese loaded with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños, finished with a crispy panko-Parmesan topping. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 3–4 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds in for more heat, out for milder)
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp each)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Optional: green onions for garnish
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for extra spice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente (6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until foamy.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Cook 3-5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Lower heat, add cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Stir until smooth and melted.
  6. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, diced jalapeños, and chopped bacon. Mix well.
  7. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  8. Pour macaroni mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  9. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
  11. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or extra bacon if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block for a creamier sauce. Adjust jalapeño quantity and seeds for desired spice level. Let the dish rest before serving for best texture. Easily adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets by swapping pasta, breadcrumbs, and omitting bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, comfort food, party pasta, loaded mac and cheese, crispy topping, bacon mac and cheese

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-jalape-n-o-popper-mac-and-cheese-easy-loaded-baked-recipe/