Jalapeño Popper Macaroni and Cheese is a fun twist on classic comfort food, blending creamy cheese sauce with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the crunchy surprise of bacon bits. This dish brings together gooey melted cheese, tender macaroni, and a little punch of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
I love making this when I want something a little different but still super satisfying. The jalapeños add just enough spice without being overwhelming, and the crispy bacon keeps every bite interesting. Plus, topping it off with a golden breadcrumb crust makes it feel extra special and cozy.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this mac and cheese is as a main dish with a simple green salad on the side. It’s a big hit whenever I bring it to potlucks or family dinners—everyone always asks for seconds! This recipe makes me happy because it’s easy to put together but feels like a treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds sauce well and gives a perfect bite. You can swap it with small shells or cavatappi for a bit of fun texture.
Bacon: Bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try smoked paprika or vegan bacon bits instead.
Cream Cheese & Cheddar: Cream cheese makes the sauce extra creamy and rich, while sharp cheddar adds that classic cheesy bite. For a milder taste, swap cheddar for Colby or mozzarella.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring the spice and crunch. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat, or substitute with milder peppers like poblano if you want a gentler flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a crispy topping. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work too.
How Do You Make a Smooth and Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The secret lies in making a good roux and slowly adding milk to avoid lumps:
- Melt butter and whisk in flour to cook out the raw taste (about 1-2 minutes).
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking steadily to keep it smooth.
- Cook until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
- Reduce heat before adding cream cheese and shredded cheese, stirring gently until melted.
- Be patient and keep stirring—it prevents clumps and gives you that perfect creamy base.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the macaroni; a big pot helps prevent sticking.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook bacon and make the cheese sauce; using one pan saves cleanup.
- Whisk – to blend the roux and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet – for baking the mac and cheese with a crispy topping.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – to stir the pasta and cheese sauce together gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked chorizo or spicy sausage if you want a meatier, bolder flavor.
- Add roasted corn kernels for a bit of sweetness that pairs nicely with the spice.
- Mix in diced smoked gouda with your cheeses for a creamy, smoky twist.
- Stir in fresh cilantro or green onions right before serving for a fresh, bright note.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Toppings:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- Fresh jalapeño slices for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta and bacon, 15 minutes to make the cheese sauce and combine the ingredients, and another 20-25 minutes baking in the oven until bubbly and golden. Altogether, expect roughly 50-55 minutes from start to ready-to-eat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Bacon
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain it on paper towels, crumble into pieces, and save 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for the roux—discard the rest.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Turn the heat to low, then stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth and melted. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until all melted and creamy. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble, Bake, and Serve
Stir half of the crumbled bacon, most of the sliced jalapeños, and the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and bacon on top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Before serving, garnish with the reserved jalapeño slices and chopped parsley or chives if you like. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set, then enjoy your creamy, spicy Jalapeño Popper Macaroni and Cheese!
Can I Use Frozen Jalapeños in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen jalapeños if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid extra moisture making the mac and cheese watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for extra texture.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well to give a crispy topping. Just mix with melted butter before sprinkling over the mac and cheese.
