Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for those who like a little kick in their meals. With crispy bacon and spicy jalapeños, it's the ultimate blend of savory and spicy.

Ingredients for Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni serves as the foundation of this dish, absorbing the rich cheese sauce beautifully. Bacon adds a perfect crispy texture and smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheese. The jalapeños provide just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors. Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour are used to create a roux, the base for our creamy cheese sauce. Whole milk ensures the sauce is rich and smooth. Sharp cheddar cheese offers a bold flavor, while Monterey Jack cheese contributes creaminess and a subtle tang. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, complementing the bacon perfectly, and a touch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like it extra spicy, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or use a hotter pepper variety.
  • For a smoother cheese sauce, make sure the milk is at room temperature before adding it to the roux.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting results; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more hearty meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak. A cold, crisp beer or a glass of chilled white wine complements the spicy flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami-packed alternative.

Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You'll want it al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Once done, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and golden. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Leave a bit of the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.

Next, add the jalapeños to the same skillet. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they're just starting to soften. This brief cooking time keeps their vibrant color and a bit of crunch. Remove them and set them aside with the bacon.

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly, until it starts to smell slightly nutty.

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they're fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Season the cheese sauce with smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Combine the cooked macaroni, crispy bacon, and sautéed jalapeños with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well coated with the luscious cheese sauce. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, yet packed with flavor.
  • The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick.
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have at home.

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 jalapeños, seeds removed and diced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy; remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced jalapeños and sauté for 2 minutes; remove and set aside with the bacon.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. Add the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni, bacon, and jalapeños with the cheese sauce; stir until well coated.
9. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.

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