Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with a dish that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the smoky, spicy kick of jalapeños and crispy bacon! This Bacon Jalapeño Popper Mac Cheese is not just a meal; it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a show-stopping dish at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be indulging in this cheesy delight in no time. Are you ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort?
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup jalapeños, chopped
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and milk, stirring continuously until cream cheese melts and mixture becomes smooth.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture, stirring constantly to create a creamy cheese sauce. Ensure no lumps remain.
- Fold in chopped jalapeños, reserving some for garnish. The jalapeños will add a spicy kick to the mac and cheese.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each pasta piece evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the mac and cheese, mixing some into the dish and saving some for topping.
- Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with remaining jalapeños and bacon crumbles. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Bacon Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, try using thick-cut bacon. The additional richness can enhance the overall taste of your dish.
- Spice Control: If you're sensitive to heat, feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños. You can also remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses! Adding a bit of pepper jack cheese can amp up the spice level, while mozzarella can give you an extra creamy texture.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Simply assemble everything and refrigerate it before baking. When you're ready to serve, just heat it up in the oven until bubbly.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the garnishing step! A sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional jalapeños on top can make your dish visually appealing and add a fresh flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this mac and cheese with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 623kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 102mg
