Best 8 Jalapeno Mac Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a tantalizing culinary journey with this collection of irresistibly cheesy jalapeño mac and cheese recipes, curated to satisfy every palate. From the classic combination of creamy cheddar and sharp jalapeños to unique variations featuring smoked Gouda, bacon, and even seafood, there's a perfect recipe for every occasion. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a milder flavor, these recipes offer a range of heat levels to suit your preferences. Prepare to embark on a cheesy adventure that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

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-BACON MAC & CHEESE



Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese image

All my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. -Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 pound thick-sliced bacon strips (about 7 strips), cooked and crumbled

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and mustard. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in jalapenos and 3 cups cheese until cheese is melted., Reserve 1/4 cup crumbled bacon; stir remaining bacon into sauce., Drain macaroni and return to pot; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese and reserved bacon. Bake, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 636 calories, Fat 34g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 105mg cholesterol, Sodium 759mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

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

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 & 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 PEPPER MAC 'N' CHEESE



Jalapeno Pepper Mac 'n' Cheese image

Make and share this Jalapeno Pepper Mac 'n' Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by NELady

Categories     Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

salt and pepper
16 ounces cavatappi pasta (can use any hollow, ridged corkscrew pasta)
extra virgin olive oil
3 jalapenos, seeded and thinly sliced
2 serrano chilies, seeded and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 cups whole milk
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
  • In a skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium heat. Add the jalapenos, serranos and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add to the pasta.
  • Preheat the broiler. In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream cheese and onion over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until smooth, 5 minutes; stir into the pasta. Stir in the jack cheese; season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and broil until browned, about 3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 901.5, Fat 41.7, SaturatedFat 25.3, Cholesterol 121.8, Sodium 514.2, Carbohydrate 94.5, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 8.6, Protein 36.4

JALAPENO POPPER ORZO MAC-N-CHEESE



Jalapeno Popper Orzo Mac-n-Cheese image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Kosher salt
1 pound orzo
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
6 jalapeno peppers; 4 seeded and finely chopped, 2 sliced with seeds
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups panko
2 Fresno chile peppers, sliced
5 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
2 almost-ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
EVOO, for drizzling
Juice of 2 limes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • For the mac-n-cheese: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the orzo until al dente, about 6 minutes; drain.
  • Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped jalapenos, the garlic and onions and cook until the jalapenos and onions are soft, 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Cheddar and cream cheese and stir until melted.
  • Combine the orzo with the sauce and transfer to a casserole dish.
  • Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and toss with the panko to coat. Sprinkle over the casserole and top with the sliced jalapenos and Fresno chiles.
  • For the guac salad: Gently toss the tomatoes, avocados, jalapenos and onions on a serving platter. Drizzle with EVOO and lime juice, season with salt and pepper and top with the cilantro.
  • Divide the orzo mac-n-cheese among plates and serve with the guac salad.

ROCK & ROLL JALAPENO MAC AND CHEESE



ROCK & ROLL JALAPENO MAC AND CHEESE image

Categories     Pasta     Side     Bake     Backyard BBQ

Yield 6-8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb macaroni noodles (cooked in advance)
1/2 lb cream cheese, melted
1/2 lb cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
2.5 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup flour
8 tbsp butter, melted
2 cups sliced jalapenos (from a can or jar)
1/2 cup jalapeno juice (from juice)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cajun seasoning
4 tbsp breadcrumbs (for topping)

Steps:

  • 1. In a saucepan melt butter, then add cream cheese and mix until smooth. 2. Add heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Then add jalapeno juice and whisk. 3. Mix in cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted. 4. Mix in jalapenos, salt, cajun seasoning, and flour. 5. Continue whisking until all ingredients are completely mixed. 6. Grease a casserole dish and layer bottom of pan with half of the cooked macaroni. 7. Gently pour half the mixture over the noodles. 8. Add another layer of noodles and cheese mixture. 9. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. 10. Uncover and bake for another 20-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of pasta. Macaroni is the most common type of pasta used in mac and cheese, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini.
  • Use a good quality cheese. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can also use other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or fontina.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. Be sure to cook the roux until it is golden brown.
  • Add the milk and cheese slowly. Gradually whisk the milk and cheese into the roux until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.

Conclusion:

Jalapeno mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, spicy jalapenos, and crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give this jalapeno mac and cheese recipe a try.

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