Description
A creamy, spicy twist on a classic dish, this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese combines the comforting flavors of macaroni and cheese with zesty jalapeños and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni cooked (or other tubular pasta)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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
12 oz bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeños and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cream cheese and TABASCO® Sauce, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra spice, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in. You can also top with additional cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, jalapeño recipe