Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with the most mind-blowing, flavor-packed dish you'll ever taste! 🔥 This Creamy Stovetop Jalapeno Bacon Macaroni and Cheese is not your ordinary comfort food - it's a spicy, cheesy explosion that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for seconds. Imagine creamy, rich cheese melting perfectly with crispy bacon and a kick of jalapeno heat, all prepared in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a spice lover or just someone who craves an incredible twist on a classic, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni, 4 slices of chopped bacon, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 2 diced jalapenos, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced jalapenos and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened. If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds from the jalapenos before dicing.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the sautéed jalapenos, crispy bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, milk, and cream cheese to the pot with the macaroni.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the macaroni and cheese with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the creamy stovetop jalapeno bacon macaroni and cheese warm, garnished with additional jalapenos or bacon if desired.
Tips
- For a milder heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before dicing. This will give you flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
- Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor depth.
- Don't overcook the bacon - aim for crispy but not burnt.
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent sticking and ensure smooth melting.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- For extra crunch, consider topping with toasted breadcrumbs or additional crispy bacon bits.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding monterey jack or pepper jack for more complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
