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Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac Cheese

Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Let me take you on a flavorful journey, one where creamy cheese meets spicy jalapenos, and you find yourself questioning whether you need a bowl or a spoon—or perhaps a mix of both.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 787
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box of dried short-cut pasta such as cavatappi, elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne
  • 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon rich extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons creamy unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups luscious heavy cream or silky half-and-half
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 ounces soft cream cheese, brought to room temperature and cubed
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded or diced white American cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon flaky kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon warm ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled and divided
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1/2 cup crunchy panko breadcrumbs

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt, then throw in your pasta. Cook it al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced jalapenos, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until it’s golden. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
  1. Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the mozzarella and American cheese. Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is beautifully blended.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, jalapeno mixture, and half of the crumbled bacon. Stir until every noodle is coated in that cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top it off with the remaining bacon, crunchy panko, and a sprinkle of chives for color.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let it cool slightly before digging in. Serve it up, and watch as your friends and family devour every bite.

Notes

  • Pasta: If you don't have short-cut pasta, use any pasta you have on hand, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Just break it into smaller pieces if needed.
  • Heavy Cream: In a pinch, half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of butter can create a similar creamy texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be swapped, though they’ll change the flavor a bit.
  • Bacon: For a vegetarian version, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that bacon flavor without the meat.