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How to Make Jalapeno Popper Mac 'n Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a delicious and indulgent comfort food recipe? Look no further than Jalapeno Popper Mac 'n Cheese! This twist on the classic mac and cheese combines the creamy and cheesy goodness with the spicy kick of jalapeno poppers. It's the perfect dish for those who love a little heat in their meals, and it's guaranteed to be a hit at any potluck or dinner party.

What sets this recipe apart from traditional mac and cheese is the addition of jalapenos and crispy bacon. The co...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced (Optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or more to taste
  • 1 (8 ounce) package light processed cheese food (such as Velveeta Light®), cubed
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • 3 slices bacon
  • ⅓ cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced into thin rings (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 1 1 1/2-quart baking dish

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to pot; set aside.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and jalapenos; cook until just softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in flour, coating vegetables well. Whisk in milk slowly until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • Season sauce with garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in processed cheese and cream cheese until melted and sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
  • Pour macaroni into cheese sauce and stir to coat completely. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Cool briefly.
  • Crumble bacon and mix with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni. Top with jalapeno slices.
  • Bake, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

    • Nutrition

    333 cal.

    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 45mg
    • Sodium: 786mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 14g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 268mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 328mg

    Categories

    Pasta recipes
    Cheese recipes
    Jalapenos recipes
    Bacon recipes
    Breadcrumb recipes