Best 7 Jalapeno Pepper Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Craving a dish that is both creamy, cheesy, and has a bit of a kick? Look no further than the tantalizing Jalapeno Pepper Mac and Cheese! This delectable dish combines the classic comfort food of macaroni and cheese with the spicy heat of jalapenos, creating a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. In this article, we bring you not one, but three irresistible recipes for Jalapeno Pepper Mac and Cheese, each with its unique twist to cater to different preferences and spice levels. From the classic stovetop version to the convenient instant pot recipe and the indulgent baked mac and cheese, we have got you covered. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let's dive into the world of creamy, cheesy, and spicy Jalapeno Pepper Mac and Cheese!

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 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.

CREAMY JALAPENO MAC AND CHEESE



Creamy Jalapeno Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
8 ounces processed cheese such as Velveeta, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions; drain.
  • Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the panko and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Combine the half-and-half, mustard, garlic powder and remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the saucepan and bring to a bare simmer over medium-high heat. Add the Cheddar and processed cheese and stir until smooth. Stir in the macaroni and jalapenos and season with salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the panko and cilantro.

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 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:

  • To make the cheese sauce extra creamy and flavorful, use a combination of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
  • Adding a touch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce gives it a subtle kick of heat.
  • For a crispy topping, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • To save time, you can use a pre-made Alfredo sauce instead of making your own cheese sauce.
  • If you're short on time, you can cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce ahead of time and then assemble and bake the mac and cheese just before serving.

Conclusion:

This Jalapeño Pepper Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, crispy breadcrumbs, and spicy jalapeños makes this mac and cheese a surefire hit. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, this mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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