I have to admit, I didn’t expect this Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese Recipe to become such a hit at the dinner table! But after taking the first bite, I knew it was going to be a crowd favorite. Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with crispy bacon and the fiery kick of diced jalapenos? Now that’s comfort food with a twist!
What I love most about this dish is how it brings together flavors and textures. The smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping make it irresistible in every way. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a get-together with friends, this mac n cheese is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, making it a win-win. Trust me, after making this once, I couldn’t wait to add it to my permanent recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This mac n cheese gets an irresistible spicy-smoky upgrade.
A Spicy Twist on a Classic
Who doesn’t love mac n cheese? Add jalapenos, and you’ve got a zesty upgrade that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their food.
The Perfect Comfort Food
This dish combines the best of creamy pasta with smoky bacon and crunchy breadcrumbs. The layers of flavor are a comforting hug in every bite.
Customizable for All Tastes
Dial up the spice level with more jalapenos or tone it down by using mild varieties. You can also make variations to suit dietary preferences.
Great for Leftovers (If Any!)
The flavors deepen overnight, making this dish just as enjoyable the next day. It reheats like a dream for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ideal for Sharing
Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese is a surefire hit for parties and potlucks. It’s easy to scale, and everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Bacon
- Jalapenos
- Butter
- Flour
- Half-and-half
- Cheddar cheese
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan
Variations
- Make It Vegetarian:
Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Mix in diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. - Lighter Option:
Use reduced-fat cheeses and replace half-and-half with whole milk or even almond milk. - Add an Extra Kick:
Use pickled jalapenos for a tangy note or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. - Cheese Swap:
Experiment with Gruyere, Fontina, or smoked Gouda for a unique flavor twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Pot:
To cook the pasta till perfectly al dente. - Skillet:
For frying bacon and preparing the cheese sauce. - Whisk:
To ensure a smooth, clump-free sauce. - Baking Dish:
For layering and baking the dish to golden perfection.
How to Make Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese?
This recipe balances creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky bacon and a spicy kick.
Cook the Pasta 🍝
Start by boiling pasta in salted water. Cook it for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep it slightly firm. Drain and set aside, as it will cook further in the oven.
Crisp the Bacon 🥓
Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, letting it drain on a paper towel, but leave a little bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
Sauté the Jalapenos 🌶️
Add butter to the skillet, followed by chopped jalapenos. Sauté for about a minute until the jalapenos soften slightly. This will tone down their heat and blend it beautifully into the dish.
Make the Cheese Sauce 🧀
Sprinkle in flour and whisk it with the butter and jalapenos to form a roux. Slowly pour in half-and-half, whisking constantly to keep it smooth. Once the mixture thickens, add shredded cheddar, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until you have a luscious, gooey sauce.
Assemble the Dish 🍲
Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat every piece. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything to a baking dish or leave it in your cast-iron skillet for easy baking.
Add the Topping ✨
Mix melted butter, Panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac n cheese for a golden, crunchy finish.
Bake to Perfection 🔥
Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Undercooked pasta works best for baked dishes as it absorbs the sauce while baking. - Grate Your Cheese:
Always use freshly grated cheese for a creamier, smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. - Bacon Tip:
For an extra smoky flavor, use hickory or cherrywood-smoked bacon. - Keep It Crunchy:
Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking for the crispiest texture.
How to Serve Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese?
There’s something about this dish that screams comfort food! Serve it in individual bowls for a casual vibe or plate it up in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, impressive presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or more grated Parmesan for a touch of color and elegance.
This mac n cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Add garlic bread or soft dinner rolls on the side to scoop up every last drop of that cheesy sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 60g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. You can prepare most of it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. Freezing is also an option, although the breadcrumb topping may lose its crunch. To freeze, assemble the dish but hold off on the topping. Add fresh breadcrumbs before baking after thawing.
Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and excitement to any meal. It’s cheesy, spicy, and irresistibly delicious, making it a must-have in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy creating and sharing this unforgettable dish!
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Bacon Jalapeno Mac n Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- ½ lb cherry wood smoked bacon
- 1-2 jalapeños diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup flour
- 3 cups half & half
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1-2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Panko Topping
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta 2 minutes under al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, remove all but 3 tablespoons of bacon fat. Add butter and diced jalapeños, cooking until softened (about 1 minute).
- Stir in flour and whisk for 30 seconds, then reduce heat and slowly add half & half, whisking until smooth.
- Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheese and cooked bacon until combined. Add the cooked pasta, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish (or leave in the skillet), fold in mozzarella, and top with the Panko mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Any short pasta like shells, macaroni, or penne will work.
- Make your own half & half by mixing equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.
- The cheese sauce may seem excessive at first, but the pasta will absorb it.
