Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is kicked up version of the delicious mac and cheese we all know and love.  Perfect for a weeknight comfort food delight that will be creamy and satisfying.

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese | The Food Cafe

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Recipe

One thing for certain when it comes to Mac and Cheese is that it is the ultimate comfort food.  No matter what melted, gooey cheese always make me smile, and this Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is amazing in all its cheesy glory.

My husband is a huge fan of jalapeños, so it was only fitting to add them to this already family staple.  Not only do we have fresh sautéed jalapeños in this mac and cheese, but there is also bacon mixed in to this cheesy pasta goodness.  

How can you possibly go wrong with cheese, and lots of it, jalapeños, and bacon?  Oh my goodness, you can’t!  The beauty of it all, other than being sensational, is you can make it less than 20 minutes and all in one skillet.

How long does it take to make Jalapeno Mac and Cheese?

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is not complicated to make at all and is made in under 20 minutes.  Once you cook the macaroni noodles, which is only 6 minutes for al dente, the cheese sauce and sautéed jalapeños are ready in 10 minutes. The final step is to broil for 3 minutes and then you are eating your way through deliciousness.

How do you make Homemade Mac and Cheese?

Making homemade mac and cheese is a great way to be in control of what you are putting in to your recipe and it is quite simple to do.

1. Cook macaroni pasta to al dente, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat add butter and flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in milk and continue whisking.  Bring to a slight boil then reduce heat, stirring until sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add in cheese and stir until melted.
5. Pour in cooked macaroni pasta and mix to combine.
6. Make a crumble topping by melting butter and mixing in parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.  Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese, then broil for 3 minutes in oven.  Serve warm.

How do you make Jalapeno Mac and Cheese?

This process of making homemade Jalapeno Mac and Cheese if very similar.

1. Cook macaroni pasta to al dente, drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet cook bacon until crisp and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat add butter and let melt.  Add in diced jalapeños and green onions and sauté for 2 minutes.  Add in flour and whisk to combine.
4. Pour in milk and continue to whisk, bringing to a boil.  Reduce heat and keep stirring until sauce thickens.
5. Add in cheese and stir until melted.
6. Pour in macaroni and bacon and mix until thoroughly combined.
7. Make crumble topping by melting butter and adding parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.  Spread evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese and broil for 3 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped green onion

If you are looking for some side dishes to go with your Jalapeno Mac and Cheese you have got to try Creamy Grape Salad or Easy Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad.  And if you are not a fan of jalapeños, but love bacon you need to make Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese.

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese has all the cheesy temptation you love and need to enjoy every bite.  A fast and easy comfort food meal made to go from your stove top to your table top in 20 minutes or less.

Dinner doesn’t have to be difficult, but it should always be delicious.

Key ingredients for this recipe:

• Macaroni pasta
• Shredded white cheddar cheese
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese

Here are a few other easy skillet meals you don’t want to miss:

• Cheese Ravioli Skillet
• Hamburger Stroganoff
• Hamburger Steak
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Skillet
• Sweet and Sour Chicken

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Yield: 5-6 servings

Total Time: 17 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is kicked up version of the delicious mac and cheese we all know and love.  Perfect for a weeknight comfort food delight that will be creamy and satisfying.

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta, cooked to al dente.
• 3 jalapenos, sliced
• 4 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 green onions, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2-1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the topping:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni pasta to al dente, drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet cook bacon until crisp and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat add butter and let melt.  Add in diced jalapeños and green onions and sauté for 2 minutes.  Add in flour and whisk to combine.
4. Pour in milk and continue to whisk, bringing to a boil.  Reduce heat and keep stirring until sauce thickens.
5. Add in cheese and stir until melted.
6. Pour in macaroni and bacon and mix until thoroughly combined.
7. Make crumble topping by melting butter and adding parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.  Spread evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese and broil for 3 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions, serve warm.

754 calories/serving

All images and text ©The Food Cafe.