Jalapeno Popper Mac & Cheese

What could be better than combining two favorite comfort foods–Jalapeño Poppers and Mac and Cheese?! Kicked up a notch with Tabasco this easy and delicious recipe, loaded with bacon, cream cheese, and jalapénos, is sure to be a new favorite!

Enjoy a Smoked Flavor?

Try adding some wood chunks to your grill. This will add a nice smoked flavor to your recipe.

Jalapéno Popper Mac & Cheese
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Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese (made on the grill)

Course Main Course
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Elbow Macaroni
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 Jalapeños, Diced Remove seeds and membranes before dicing
  • 1/3 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 6 oz Cream Cheese Cut into cubes
  • 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
  • 1-1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
  • 12 oz Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Topping

  • 1-1/2 cups Panko Crumbs
  • 4 tbsp Butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 tsp Paprika Smoked or Regular

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to 350˚F.
    Jalapéno Popper Mac & Cheese Ingredients
  • Lightly grease a cast iron baking dish or skillet and set aside—or to make clean-up even easier you can use a disposable aluminum pan. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing the cheese sauce.
  • Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot. Add diced jalapeños and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in cream cheese and Tabasco® Sauce
    Add Cream Cheese & Tabasco
  • Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another 1-1/2 cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
    Add in Shredded Cheese
  • Add the cooled pasta and stir until combined and pasta is fully coated with cheese sauce.
  • Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared cast iron dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese, two-thirds of the bacon and then the remaining mac and cheese.
  • In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and put on grill until bubbly and golden brown—about 30 minutes.
    Jalapéno Popper Mac & Cheese on grill
  • Top with remaining bacon and slices of jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

TipEnjoy a smoked flavor? Try adding some wood chunks to your grill.