If you have ever dreamed of combining the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers, you are in for a real treat with this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe. It is an irresistible casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy, packed with crisp bacon and a crunchy, buttery panko topping. Perfect for sharing at family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave a seriously satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort foods.

Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe depends on simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own flavor, creaminess, and texture to the dish. From the smoothness of cream cheese to the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños and the crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs, every element works together to create that perfect balance of indulgence and flavor.

16 oz elbow macaroni: The best pasta shape to trap all that luscious cheese sauce inside every nook and cranny.
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté jalapeños gently and enhances flavor without overpowering.
6 tbsp unsalted butter: Acts as the rich base for your roux and topping, adding creamy depth.
2 jalapeños, seeded, membranes removed, and diced: Brings fresh, vibrant heat when sautéed with butter.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour: The key thickening agent for the silky cheese sauce.
3 cups whole milk: Adds luscious creaminess and volume to the sauce.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce decadent and rich, elevating classic mac and cheese.
6 oz cream cheese, cubed: Gives a tangy, velvety texture that melds perfectly with cheddar and mozzarella.
2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce: A tangy, spicy twist that livens up the cheese sauce subtly.
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharpness cuts through the creaminess and adds that iconic mac and cheese flavor.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: For the gooey, melty stretchiness that you want in every bite.
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings crispy, smoky bites that complement the cheese and jalapeños perfectly.
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden crust that adds irresistible texture contrast.
4 tbsp butter, melted: Mixes with panko for the perfect buttery topping.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to that crispy crust.
1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika: Provides a gentle smoky accent to the topping, beautifully finishing the dish.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350F and greasing a 9 x 13 baking dish. Then, cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just shy of al dente—this is crucial because it will continue cooking in the oven and you want each bite perfectly tender without any mushiness.

Step 2: Sauté the Jalapeños

Warm the olive oil and 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced jalapeños and cook them until they become fragrant and slightly softened, which takes about 2–3 minutes. This step gently mellows the heat while releasing their fresh flavor.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

Whisk in the all-purpose flour to the jalapeño butter mixture, stirring constantly to make a smooth roux and cook off the floury taste—about 2 minutes. Then gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Keep whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and has the consistency of creamy gravy.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Spice

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cream cheese cubes, whisking until melted and super smooth. Next, add the TABASCO® Sauce for a subtle kick, then slowly incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring gently until fully melted. This cheese sauce is what makes this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe so decadently creamy and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Let the pasta cool slightly—this prevents it from breaking apart—and then fold it gently into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated in ooey-gooey goodness.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Layer half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over it, then top with the remaining mac and cheese. For the final layer, combine panko crumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika, then sprinkle this crunchy mixture on top. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Once out of the oven, feel free to top your creation with extra bacon bits or diced jalapeños for that fresh pop of flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in eagerly—this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe really shines at the table.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped fresh jalapeños, extra crumbled bacon, or even a sprinkle of chopped chives brings a vibrant pop of color and flavor to the dish. The contrast between creamy mac and cheese and fresh, bright toppings makes every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides that balance its richness. Think simple green salads with tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal that keeps the focus on the star cheesy dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch that feels extra special. You can also turn it into a loaded mac and cheese bar—invite friends to add their favorite toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or different cheeses right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as good if not better.

Freezing

You can freeze this mac and cheese cooked but not baked, ideally in individual portions for convenience. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm gently in the oven at 325F until heated through to maintain that creamy texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may cause some separation, so stirring halfway through is key.

FAQs

Can I adjust the spice level in this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! If you want it milder, reduce the number of jalapeños or leave out the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the heat. For more kick, add extra TABASCO® Sauce or use spicier peppers.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is essential for that classic, tangy mac and cheese flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess and meltiness. Cream cheese contributes smoothness, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or smoky roasted chickpeas for a satisfying crunch without the meat.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and panko breadcrumbs. The result is still delicious with just a slight change in texture.

How do I get the panko topping extra crispy?

Mix the panko thoroughly with melted butter before sprinkling, and spread it evenly on top. Baking uncovered at 350F allows the topping to become nicely golden and crunchy without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds: creamy, cheesy comfort and a vibrant, spicy kick. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites too!

Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with the spicy kick of jalapeños and crispy bacon topping. Baked to golden perfection with a crunchy panko and Parmesan crust, it makes for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect as a hearty side or a main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 oz elbow macaroni cooked (or other tubular pasta)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Cheese Sauce

6 tbsp unsalted butter
2 jalapeños seeded, membranes removed, and diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
6 oz cream cheese cut into cubes
2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Toppings

12 oz bacon cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp butter melted
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or alternative tubular pasta until it is just shy of al dente, ensuring it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the cheese sauce base: In a large pan, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeños and sauté until softened to release their spicy flavor.
Create roux and add dairy: Whisk the all-purpose flour into the butter and jalapeños to make a roux. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
Add cheeses and seasoning: Stir in the cream cheese cubes until fully melted and incorporated. Then add the TABASCO® sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese, whisking until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Allow the cheese sauce to cool slightly, then fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is well coated with the cheesy mixture.
Prepare topping mixture: In a bowl, combine the panko crumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful crunchy topping.
Assemble layers: Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked crumbled bacon over it. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese and cheese, then top everything evenly with the panko mixture.
Bake: Bake the assembled mac and cheese in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Finish and serve: Remove from oven, and if desired, top with the remaining bacon and jalapeños for extra flavor and garnish. Serve the dish hot and enjoy your spicy, creamy jalapeño popper mac and cheese.

Notes

For less heat, omit or reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove seeds thoroughly.
Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with lower-fat options for a lighter version, but it may affect creaminess.
Bacon can be swapped for turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version (but flavor will differ).
Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free variation.
Best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for leftovers.

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