Best 2 Jalapeno Popper Mac N Cheese Recipes
Indulge in a culinary delight that combines the richness of macaroni and cheese with the fiery kick of jalapeño peppers. This unique dish, known as Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese, offers a perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors. Our collection of recipes provides a variety of ways to create this tantalizing dish, catering to different preferences and skill levels. From the classic Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese, bursting with gooey cheese and crispy bacon, to the vegetarian-friendly Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Mac and Cheese, each recipe promises an unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to spice up your comfort food game and impress your taste buds with this irresistible combination of flavors.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
CREAMY JALAPENO POPPER MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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 MAC 'N CHEESE
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
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 a creamy and flavorful mac and cheese sauce, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk. You can also add other cheeses, such as Parmesan or Monterey Jack, to taste.
- To add a spicy kick to your mac and cheese, use fresh or pickled jalapeños. You can also add other spicy ingredients, such as cayenne pepper or chili powder, to taste.
- For a crispy and flavorful topping, use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to taste.
- To make sure your mac and cheese is cooked through, bake it in the oven until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is creamy, spicy, and cheesy, with a crispy, flavorful topping. This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. You can find more delicious mac and cheese recipes at AliceRecipes.com.
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