Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Yield: 8 Servings
This will be the best decision you will ever make today; I’m telling you! In just half an hour, you will enjoy this Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese. Have a wonderful day, friends!
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ c diced yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ c panko breadcrumbs
2 c heavy cream (or half & half)
1 c whole milk
2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed, diced
2 c shredded or diced white American cheese, divided (white cheddar can also be used)
1 box (16 ounces) dried short cut pasta (cavatappi, elbow, rotini, penne, etc)
¼ c all-purpose flour
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (and cubed)
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Place a small saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and allow it to become hot.
Add the Panko and stir until well mixed. Cook until brown, then remove from the heat.
Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.
Apply cooking spray in a 9×13-inch pan.
Place a pot with water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to boil.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until well coated.
Place a large pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
Add butter and allow it to melt.
Add the onion and jalapenos, then sauté until soft.
Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic.
Add the flour, then whisk and cook for about a minute.
Add the milk and heavy cream, then stir until well blended. Allow the mixture to become thick.
Add the cream cheese, then stir until well blended.
Add the white American cheese and mozzarella cheese, then stir until well mixed.
Add spices and stir until well mixed. Add more milk if needed.
In a bowl, add the cheese sauce, bacon, and cooked pasta. Toss until well coated.
Transfer the mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and bacon on top.
Sprinkle the toasted panko on top.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
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