Bacon Jalapeño Mac n’ Cheese

Introduction

Turn up the heat on your comfort food game with this bold, creamy, and irresistibly smoky Bacon Jalapeño Mac n’ Cheese. Combining crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and rich cheese sauce over tender macaroni, this dish is perfect for potlucks, game days, or when you’re just craving something with a kick. It’s mac n’ cheese with attitude—and once you try it, there’s no going back to the plain stuff.

Ingredients

For the pasta and sauce:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Add-ins:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2–3 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Optional topping (for baked version):

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp butter (melted)
• Extra cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Cook pasta:
   Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook bacon and jalapeños:
   In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble. In the same pan, sauté jalapeños in a bit of the bacon fat for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
3. Make the roux and cheese sauce:
   In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Cook until thickened (about 4–5 minutes), stirring constantly.
4. Add cheese and seasonings:
   Lower heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Combine:
   Stir in cooked pasta, bacon, and jalapeños. Mix until evenly coated.
6. Optional baking step:
   Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese and panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Description

This Bacon Jalapeño Mac n’ Cheese is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. The richness of the cheese sauce is perfectly balanced by the crunch of bacon and the zing of jalapeños, delivering layer after layer of indulgent flavor. It’s comfort food with a kick.

Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
• Adjust the spice level by using fewer jalapeños or removing the seeds.
• Want a smokier flavor? Use smoked gouda or add a dash of chipotle powder.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll continue to cook in the cheese sauce or oven.
• For a silky sauce, always warm the milk before adding to the roux.

Variations

• Extra heat: Add a dash of hot sauce or swap jalapeños for serranos.
• Meat swap: Use pancetta or chorizo instead of bacon.
• Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed onions, corn, or bell peppers.
• Tex-Mex style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top.
• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Gritty cheese sauce? Don’t boil the cheese—add it off the heat and stir gently.
• Watery sauce? Cook the roux long enough to thicken the base before adding cheese.
• Too bland? Season every layer—cheese alone isn’t enough. Add garlic, paprika, and salt to taste.
• Over-baking? If baking, don’t dry it out—cover loosely with foil halfway if needed.

Enjoy!

Dig into the perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and spicy with every bite. Whether you’re serving it up as a main dish or a side, Bacon Jalapeño Mac n’ Cheese is guaranteed to leave people asking for seconds.