Best 3 Jalapeno Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a cheesy, spicy culinary delight with our exquisite Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese recipes. Bursting with bold flavors, these dishes elevate the classic comfort food to a tantalizing level. Prepare to embark on a cheesy adventure like never before, as we present a collection of recipes that cater to various preferences and dietary needs. From the traditional baked macaroni and cheese infused with zesty jalapeños to a creamy stovetop version and even a lightened-up version for health-conscious foodies, our recipes offer something for every palate. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and experience the perfect balance of cheese, spice, and pasta in every bite!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY JALAPENO POPPER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese image

This pleasantly spicy mac and cheese delivers on its name: The cheesy jalapeno pasta with its crunchy panko bread crumb topping tastes just like poppers!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 jalapenos, 2 finely chopped and 1 thinly sliced
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces Gruyere, shredded (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, finely chopped, and 1/3 cup pickled jalapeno juice
1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, finely chopped, and 1/3 cup pickled jalapeno juice
1/8 to1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; transfer half the melted butter to a medium bowl and reserve. Add the chopped jalapenos to the saucepan, toss to coat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to a small bowl and reserve.
  • Wipe out the saucepan and add the half-and-half. Cook over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the macaroni and reserved pasta water and stir to combine. (The mixture will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Gently fold in the reserved cooked jalapenos, pickled jalapenos and pickled jalapeno juice. Season with salt and cayenne if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs in the bowl with the reserved melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Lay the sliced jalapenos evenly on top of the bread crumbs. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.

JALAPENO MACARONI AND CHEESE



Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese image

Our Southwestern riff on mac and cheese turns up the volume with fiery jalapenos and sweet corn kernels. The pasta's cooked right in the sauce, so it couldn't be simpler. Be sure to try all our delectable variations next: Classic Mac, Mushroom-Fontina Mac, and Bacon Mac.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
4 sliced scallions
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
6 cups 2-percent milk
3/4 pound elbow macaroni
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack
2 cups corn kernels
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Heat broiler. In a large straight-sided, oven-safe skillet, melt butter. Remove 1 tablespoon butter and combine with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
  • Add jalapenos and scallions to skillet and cook until softened. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Very gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Add macaroni and cook, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pan, until tender, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in remaining cheese and the corn, and season with salt and pepper. Top with breadcrumb mixture and broil until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 650 g, Fat 32 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 19 g

JOHNNY JALAPENO'S 'JUMPIN WAGON WHEELS!' MACARONI AND CHEESE



Johnny Jalapeno's 'jumpin Wagon Wheels!' Macaroni and Cheese image

This is a firey dish chock full of goodies. Legend tells that Yankee Doodle went to town in a wagon pulled by his young horse. On his way, one of the wheels to the wagon hit a large rock in the road. Well, the wheel went a flyin! He brought it back to the wagon and there he was, stuck on the side of the road and no way to fix his wagon. Just then, the McDaniel gang rode up, and in their traditional 'Robin Hood' ways, set out to fix the wheel, while Johnny fixed up a down-home campfire lunch. After this delicious meal, Yankee Doodle was so elated by Johnny's wonderful dish, he gave Johnny the wagon so he could travel with his recipes and cookware in a more formidable fashion. The only gift Johnny could reciprocate with was a beautiful injun feather he had found along his many trails. Well, Yankee doodle got up on his pony, stuck the feather in his hat and said "Thanks for the macaroni!" For an all-out exlusive dish, spoon some of Recipe #395692 over top!

Provided by 2Bleu

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

16 ounces large sized elbow macaroni noodles (or wagon wheels shape)
8 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups half & half light cream (or milk)
1 1/2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded gouda cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon habanero sauce (or hot pepper sauce)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 cup light sour cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups cooked lean ham, cubed
2 -3 tablespoons chopped jalapeno peppers (to your firey desire)
4 slices bacon, raw and cut into 1-inch squares
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 parmesan cheese
2 roma tomatoes, sliced thin (or plum tomatoes)

Steps:

  • MACARONI: Cook macaroni according to package and drain well. Pour into a cast iron dutch oven (or crock pot), stir melted butter into the hot pasta and set aside.
  • CHEESE SAUCE: Heat milk in a 2 quart sauce pan over medium heat until warmed. Add the cheeses, stirring gently until melted. Season to taste with habanero sauce, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  • Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream. Slowly add the beaten eggs while wisking to incorporate. Mix in the chopped ham and jalapenos.
  • ASSEMBLY: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta (the macaroni will be soupy at this point, but it will absorb as it bakes). Note: Dish can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days at this point.
  • BAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F Place bacon pieces over the top. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over top of macaroni and bacon.
  • Bake approximately 30 minutes (longer if refrigerated) until hot. Remove from oven and place tomatoes over top to resemble wagon wheels and sprinkle with a bit more black pepper if desired. Place back in the oven for 5-10 more minutes. You can turn the oven off and keep warm for a little while til ready to serve.

Tips:

  • Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a more intense and flavorful taste compared to pre-ground pepper.
  • Choose the Right Cheese: The type of cheese you use will significantly impact the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. A blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan is a classic choice that provides a rich and creamy flavor.
  • Cook the Macaroni Properly: Follow the package instructions for cooking the macaroni. Al dente pasta is the ideal texture for macaroni and cheese, as it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
  • Make a Creamy Sauce: The sauce is the key to a delicious macaroni and cheese. Use a combination of butter, milk, and cheese to create a smooth and velvety sauce.
  • Add Some Heat: The jalapeños in this recipe add a subtle heat that complements the richness of the cheese sauce. You can adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.
  • Top with Breadcrumbs: A crispy topping of breadcrumbs adds texture and flavor to the macaroni and cheese. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.

Conclusion:

This jalapeño macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and subtle heat from the jalapeños, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you are serving it as a main course or a side dish, this jalapeño macaroni and cheese is sure to impress.

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