How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a delicious and comforting mac and cheese is always a winner, but why not take it up a notch with some spicy jalapenos and crispy bacon? This Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors that will leave you craving for more. It's the ultimate comfort food with a kick, making it perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in.

This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level w...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • 1 (16 ounce) package bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 10 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoons chile paste, or to taste
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 16 ounces shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until nearly crispy, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and fry until they are soft and bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain some of the bacon fat, leaving 4 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
  • Stir chile paste into the pan and fry for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Cook and stir garlic in the pan for 1 minute. Pour in milk and cook over medium heat, constantly whisking, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes to slightly cool and prevent cheese from separating.
  • Stir Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese into mixture until melted. Add drained pasta and mix together. Serve.
  • Nutrition

    746 cal.

    • Total Fat: 39g
    • Saturated Fat: 20g
    • Cholesterol: 112mg
    • Sodium: 1372mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 57g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 43g
    • Vitamin C: 8mg
    • Calcium: 906mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 475mg