Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Mac and Cheese

5.0
(1)
1 Review
2 Photos

This jalapeño and bacon mac and cheese has an intense sharp Cheddar cheese flavor with an added kick from the jalapeños.

Submitted by LOLOK
Updated on January 21, 2025
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni

  • 1 (16 ounce) package bacon, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 10 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced

  • 2 tablespoons chile paste, or to taste

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 4 cups whole milk

  • 16 ounces shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 8 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.

  2. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until nearly crispy, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and fry until they are soft and bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain some of the bacon fat, leaving 4 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

  3. Stir chile paste into the pan and fry for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Cook and stir garlic in the pan for 1 minute. Pour in milk and cook over medium heat, constantly whisking, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes to slightly cool and prevent cheese from separating.

  4. Stir Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese into mixture until melted. Add drained pasta and mix together. Serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

746 Calories
39g Fat
57g Carbs
43g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 746
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 39g 50%
Saturated Fat 20g 101%
Cholesterol 112mg 37%
Sodium 1372mg 60%
Total Carbohydrate 57g 21%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 43g 87%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 906mg 70%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 475mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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