Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese with Smoky Bacon

White bowl of Mac and Cheese with Jalapenos on top.

4.79 from 14 votes

Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese with Smoky Bacon

Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese with Smoky Bacon is a homemade mac and cheese with jalapeno, cream cheese and bacon. The ultimate mac and cheese side dish recipe perfect to pair with any meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings: Servings

Calories: 765kcal

Author: Kim Schob

Equipment

Ingredients

3 ½ cups Macaroni Noodles Uncooked
8 Tablespoons Butter
6 Tablespoons Flour All-Purpose
1 ½ cups Milk
½ cup Whipping Cream Heavy
4 oz Cream Cheese cut into pieces
2 cups Sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese we used a Monterey Jack with Jalapenos
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
4 oz Pickled Jalapenos jar drained
6 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
¼ cup Breadcrumbs Panko

Cups - Metric

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Do not rinse after draining.
Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat, then blend in flour to form a paste.
Gradually whisk in milk until creamy and well-combined with the flour paste.
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.
Incorporate diced jalapenos into the sauce, setting aside some for garnishing.
Fold seasoning and cooked, diced crispy bacon into the sauce.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a casserole dish.
In a separate skillet, melt additional butter and brown the breadcrumbs.
Evenly spread the toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, then garnish with the reserved bacon and jalapenos.
Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Serve the jalapeno popper mac and cheese warm.

Notes

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 jalapenos or hot. 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 - check it after 20 minutes but it might take up to 30. Adding butter to the breadcrumbs adds tons of flavor as well.

Nutrition