Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

This jalapeno mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. We chop up a few spicy peppers and combine them in a rich sauce filled with mozzarella, sharp cheddar and cream cheese. Then, it gets baked in the oven to create a molten center and crispy topping. This dish is a riff on the classic jalapeno popper appetizer. It’s ideal as a show-stopper at any gathering and pairs deliciously with all types of mains, like grilled chicken or steak. 

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: We prefer elbow-shaped macaroni because it contains tunnels that absorb the cheese sauce, creating a delightful bite.
• Jalapeno pepper: To add some spicy bites to this creamy mac and cheese, toss in some chopped jalapenos. 
• Cheese sauce: First, make a roux with butter and flour to make a luscious cheese sauce. Then, pour the milk and heavy cream, followed by the cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, salt and pepper.

Directions   

Step 1: Boil the macaroni

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, drain the noodles and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Boil the macaroni until it reaches al dente so it doesn’t overcook while baking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the sauce

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Place a large pot on medium heat and melt butter. Add the onion and jalapeno and cook until tender, about four to five minutes. Next, toss in some garlic and cook for a minute longer. Then, stir in the flour until well combined. Gradually pour the milk and cream and then bring them to a simmer. Cook the mixture until thickened, whisking occasionally, about three to four minutes. Lastly, stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, salt and pepper, mix until the cheese has melted, then add the cooked macaroni.

Step 3: Bake the mac and cheese

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Transfer the jalapeno mac and cheese to a 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.

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Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Variations 

• Make it gluten-free: Try swapping the macaroni for one that omits the flour, like red lentil or chickpea pasta. 
• Use evaporated milk: Try swapping the milk in this recipe for an evaporated one to make this dish extra rich.
• Add bacon: For a savory addition, fry up some bacon and crumble it into this dish, making it a bacon jalapeno mac and cheese. The bacon will infuse the dish with crunchy textures and smoky flavors.
  

How to Store Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

First, portion your jalapeno mac and cheese into smaller pieces. Then, store those in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.

Can you make this recipe for mac and cheese ahead of time? 

This jalapeno mac and cheese can easily be made in advance. Follow the recipe with the exception of the baking step. Then, store it in your fridge for one to two days. When you’re ready to serve, cook it for 30 to 45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. 

Can you freeze this jalapeno mac and cheese recipe?

If you have loads of leftover jalapeno mac and cheese, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months and simply reheat whenever you’re ready to serve it.

How long does this mac and cheese last? 

Jalapeno mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for two to three months. 

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Tips

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Can you make a vegan version of this jalapeno mac and cheese? 

You’d be surprised how many plant-based products are on grocery shelves. With a few simple swaps, you can make this recipe vegan. First, switch the dairy—cheese, cream cheese, milk and heavy cream—plus the pasta in this recipe for a vegan alternative. Then follow the recipe, keeping in mind the taste may vary from the original. (Psst: Here’s how to make vegan mac and cheese if you’re a newbie.)

What type of cheese do you recommend for this recipe?

While we recommended sharp cheddar and mozzarella, plenty of cheeses would work deliciously in this recipe. You’ll just want to make sure you’re reaching for one that melts well, like pepper jack, gouda or Monterey jack.

Do you have to bake this jalapeno popper mac and cheese?

We recommend baking this mac and cheese because the result is a gooey and melty center with a crispy topping. But if you prefer a saucier mac and cheese, you can follow the recipe and finish cooking it on the stove top.