Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac And Cheese With Smoky Bacon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

• It’s a crowd-pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, this great recipe combines the ultimate comfort food of mac and cheese with the adventurous kick of jalapeno poppers, satisfying a variety of tastes.
• Elevated with bacon: The smoky flavor of bacon adds a new dimension to this dish, making it irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
• Simple to prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is straightforward and can be made with ingredients easily found in your pantry or local grocery store.
• Customizable heat level: You can adjust the amount of spicy jalapenos to suit your preferred level of spiciness, making it a hit for everyone’s palate.

What Are Jalapeno Poppers?

Jalapeno poppers are a popular appetizer or snack, known for their spicy kick and irresistible blend of textures and flavors. 

They are made by hollowing out jalapeno peppers and stuffing them with a mixture, typically consisting of cheese and spices, although ingredients can vary widely. The stuffed peppers are then breaded and fried or baked until they reach a perfect combination of crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Some variations include adding meat, such as bacon, for an added layer of flavor. 

This dish is inspired by the poppers and combined it with everyone’s favorite – mac and cheese.

What’s in This Jalapeno Popper Mac And Cheese Recipe?

• Pasta: The backbone of any mac and cheese dish, we chose the classic elbow macaroni for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce but feel free to experiment with shells or any other small pasta for a twist.
• Flour: A crucial element in creating the roux, flour helps thicken the sauce, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture that clings to every noodle.
• Seasonings: The blend of spices brings depth and complexity to the dish, elevating it beyond your standard mac and cheese. Adjust according to taste for a personalized flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are our choice for a lighter, crunchier topping that perfectly contrasts with the creamy pasta beneath, but standard breadcrumbs can also be used for a more traditional crust.
• Canned Jalapenos: Available in mild or spicy varieties, canned jalapenos offer convenience without sacrificing the signature kick that defines this dish. Choose according to your heat preference.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: The combination of milk and heavy cream enriches the sauce, lending it a luxurious texture and indulgent taste that makes this mac and cheese irresistibly decadent.
• Cheese: Essential for any mac and cheese, our recipe uses a carefully selected blend of cheeses to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps smooth out the sauce, ensuring a glossy, coherent blend that beautifully coats the pasta.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy and then diced, bacon introduces a smoky depth and crunchy texture, making each bite a delightfully complex experience.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the standard pasta and flour for your favorite gluten-free alternatives to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Variation: Skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute to keep this simple recipe vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing the smoky flavor.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: With the wide variety of dairy-free cheeses available, you can easily modify this recipe to cater to a dairy-free diet. Look for a mix that melts well to maintain the creamy texture of traditional mac and cheese.
• Adding Veggies: For a nutritional boost, incorporate vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers into the cheese sauce. This not only adds color and nutrients but also introduces new flavors to the dish.
• Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of extra heat, consider adding diced fresh jalapenos in addition to or in place of the canned jalapenos. Another option is to sprinkle in some chili flakes or powder to the cheese sauce for an added kick or to get just the right amount of heat.

How To Make Mac And Cheese Poppers (step-by-step directions)

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Do not rinse after draining.
2. Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat, then blend in flour to form a paste. (Photo 1)
3. Gradually whisk in milk until creamy and well-combined with the flour paste. (Photo 2)
4. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and a portion of the cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. (Photo 3)
5. Incorporate diced jalapenos into the sauce, setting aside some for garnishing. (Photo 4)

1. Fold seasoning and cooked, diced crispy bacon into the sauce. (Photos 5 & 6)
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a casserole dish.
3. In a separate skillet, melt additional butter and brown the breadcrumbs. (Photo 7)
4. Evenly spread the toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, then garnish with the reserved bacon and jalapenos.
5. Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve the jalapeno popper mac and cheese warm. (Photo 8)

Recipe Tips

• Grating cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese is best. Shredded cheese can be oily and create a different texture to the pasta dish.
• You can use mild or hot jalapenos. Or, if you want, use fresh instead of canned jalapenos.
• You will bake the macaroni and cheese till the crumbs are nice and golden brown. Adding butter to the breadcrumbs adds tons of flavor as well.

Storing Tips 

Any leftover jalapeno popper macaroni and Cheese with Smoky Bacon can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You will find the pasta dries out a bit once it is cooled down. If it is too dry add a splash of milk when reheating.

Due to all the dairy, you will find that it is important to not freeze or ingredients will separate and curdle a bit when you go to reheat them.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese and to add an extra bit of pull-apart garlic bread or a crusty baguette serves as a perfect accompaniment, ideal for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce. 

If you’re aiming for a more robust meal, baked Parmesan chicken or Chili Lime Mexican ribs can add a smoky depth that pairs wonderfully with the spicy, cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese.

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