Best 4 Creamy Jalapeno Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a tantalizing culinary experience with our creamy jalapeño mac and cheese. This dish elevates the classic comfort food to new heights with its perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and cheesy goodness. Prepared with a velvety blend of three cheeses – cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese – this mac and cheese offers a rich and indulgent flavor profile sure to satisfy your cravings. The addition of fire-roasted jalapeños brings a touch of heat that complements the creamy texture, creating a delightful interplay of flavors. Served with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a special meal.

In this article, we present three variations of our creamy jalapeño mac and cheese to cater to different preferences and dietary choices. The classic version offers a straightforward yet satisfying combination of flavors. For those who prefer a spicier kick, the spicy jalapeño mac and cheese incorporates more jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper, resulting in a fiery and bold dish. And for those with dietary restrictions, the gluten-free jalapeño mac and cheese provides a delicious alternative made with gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable treat.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CREAMY JALAPEñO MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Creamy Jalapeño Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: Kraft® Macaroni and Cheese Blue Box Original, Philadelphia® Cream Cheese, Kraft® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, milk, kosher salt, small jalapeño, fresh cilantro

Provided by KraftHeinz

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 box Kraft® Macaroni and Cheese Blue Box Original
2 oz Philadelphia® Cream Cheese
¼ cup Kraft® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
¼ cup milk
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced, plus ½ small jalapeño, seeded and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring 6 cups (1.5 liters) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain the macaroni in a colander (do not rinse), then return to the pot over low heat. Add the Philadelphia® Cream Cheese, Kraft® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, milk, salt, and cheese sauce mix and stir well until smooth and creamy. Stir in the diced jalapeño, then remove the pot from the heat.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving bowl and top with the sliced jalapeño and cilantro. Serve warm.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 331 calories, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 11 grams, Sugar 7 grams

JALAPENO MAC AND CHEESE



Jalapeno Mac and Cheese image

Many years ago after I had had knee surgery, a friend brought me a big casserole of mac and cheese along with the recipe. I have fiddled with the recipe over the years, most recently adding jalapenos at the request of my son. What an awesome spicy twist! -Teresa Gustafson, Elkton, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h25m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter, divided
4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups whole milk
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 25 crackers)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain. Transfer to a greased 5-qt. slow cooker., Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add jalapenos; cook and stir until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add to slow cooker. Stir in the cheeses, milk, soups, mayonnaise and pepper., Cook, covered, on low for 3 hours or until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through. Melt remaining butter; stir in crackers. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 53mg cholesterol, Sodium 654mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

JALAPENO MAC & CHEESE



Jalapeno Mac & Cheese image

Generously flecked with jalapeno peppers, this ooey gooey baked mac and cheese packs a good dose of nice, smoky heat.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 oz. 1/2 pound or roughly 1¾ cups, depending on your pasta medium-size elbow macaroni or other medium tubular pasta like penne
3 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2½ cups milk (whole or 2% works)
1 cup plus 1/2 cup grated smoked cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup plus 1/2 cup medium cheddar cheese (divided)
2 medium jalapeno peppers (stems removed and finely diced (include seeds for spicier chili; leave them out for a milder version))
1 teaspoon jalapeno Tabasco sauce (or more to taste)

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, drain. Return to the pan you boiled it in and set aside. (Toss in a little butter or olive oil to help keep the noodles from sticking together if it's going to be awhile before you make the sauce)
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the flour, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk constantly over medium heat for about three minutes.
  • Continue stirring with the whisk and slowly pour in the milk.
  • Whisk frequently for about 5 minutes, and then constantly for another 5 minutes or so, until the sauce heats and thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the smoked cheddar, 1 cup of the medium cheddar, jalapeno peppers, and Tabasco sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently until coated.
  • Add half the noodles to a two quart casserole dish and sprinkle on half of the remaining cheeses.
  • Add the remaining pastas and sprinkle on the remaining cheese.
  • Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

JALAPENO POPPER MAC 'N CHEESE



Jalapeno Popper Mac 'n Cheese image

With an abundance of jalapenos in the garden, I was looking for new ways to use them, and this popper mac 'n cheese is a great one! This recipe is easily adjustable to add more heat or to take it away. The amount of jalapenos used in this recipe will yield a nice, spicy mac 'n cheese without being too over-the-top spicy. The mac 'n cheese itself is rich and creamy. Enjoy!

Provided by Christina

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
1 small onion, diced
5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
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

Steps:

  • 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 Facts : Calories 332.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Cholesterol 44.7 mg, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 785.6 mg, Sugar 6.8 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
  • To make the mac and cheese extra creamy, add a splash of milk or cream.
  • If you like a spicy mac and cheese, add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
  • Top the mac and cheese with bread crumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy topping.
  • Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This creamy jalapeño mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or cheesy, this mac and cheese is sure to please everyone at your table.

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