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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    Published: Apr 13, 2023 by Shannon · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is a delicious, easy, versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that compliments a variety of meals. The jalapenos give this macaroni a unique flavor without making it overly spicy.

    this recipe

    Mac and Cheese is arguably America's favorite side dish, it is loved by both kids and adults alike. And for good reason! What's not to love about tender noodles coated in a creamy cheese sauce and then baked to chewy perfection?! My Mac and Cheese is a good compromise on indulgence without being too heavy. I've added extra flavor by adding dijon mustard and hot sauce to the mix - not enough to be predominant flavors, just enough to add some depth and complexity. The addition of jalapenos in this mac also adds great flavor without making it very spicy.

    Serve Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin and Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad for a balanced meal.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • Recipe
    • Food safety
    • Comments

    Ingredients

    Here's what you need to make Jalapeno Mac and Cheese:

    • shredded cheddar cheese
    • milk
    • flour
    • butter
    • dijon mustard
    • hot sauce
    • diced pickled jalapenos
    • salt
    • pepper
    • elbow macaroni pasta

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Here's how to make Jalapeno Mac and Cheese:

    In a pot, cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, and return the pot to the stove over medium heat.

    Add the butter to the pot, swirling to melt. Sprinkle with the flour and whisk to combine. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns a golden brown, about 3 minutes. Then, add the milk, whisking to remove any lumps. Add the dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper, whisking to combine. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

    Add all but ½ cup of the shredded cheese to the pot with the milk, stirring to combine and continuing to cook and stir until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Add the jalapenos, stirring to combine. Then, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. (At this point you can eat the macaroni as is or proceed with the directions to bake it.)

    Spread the macaroni and cheese into a greased casserole dish and top with the reserved ½ cup of cheese. Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.

    Hint: My family likes the top and edges of the mac and cheese to be a bit brown. If this doesn't happen during baking, I'll broil it for 2-5 minutes before serving to give the top a little color.

    Substitutions

    Want to substitute an ingredient in Jalapeno Mac and Cheese? Here's how:

    • Cheddar cheese - use an equal amount of a different type of shredded cheese with a medium firmness such as gouda, colby jack or pepper jack.
    • Elbow macaroni pasta - use an equal amount of a different shape of pasta in place of the macaroni.
    • Pickled jalapenos - use an equal amount of diced green chiles for a more mild flavor or fresh jalapenos for a more spicy flavor.
    • Dijon mustard - use regular yellow mustard in place of the dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon of ground mustard powder.

    Variations

    Try one of these variations of Jalapeno Mac and Cheese:

    • Spicy - double the amount of diced jalapenos and hot sauce for a Spicy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese.
    • Mild - omit the jalapenos if you prefer not to have any spice in your macaroni and cheese.
    • Bacon - add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon when adding the jalapenos for additional flavor and a boost of protein.
    • Gluten-free - use gluten-free pasta, omit the flour and butter and step of making the roux and reduce the milk to 2 c for a Gluten-Free Jalapeno Mac n Cheese.

    Equipment

    This equipment comes in handy when making Jalapeno Mac and Cheese:

    • pot
    • colander
    • silicone spoon
    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • whisk
    • 13x9 casserole dish

    Storage

    Store leftover Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the macaroni in an airtight container prior to baking or after baking for up to 3 months. (See this article for more information on freezing and thawing mac and cheese.)

    FAQ

    What cheese goes best with jalapeno?

    Cheddar and jalapeno are a delicious combination as the sharpness of the cheddar and the spice of the jalapeno complement each other nicely. Monterey jack is another great pairing with jalapeno as its creamy texture compliments the spicyness of the jalapeno.

    What can I add to mac and cheese to make it tastier?

    Adding chopped (fresh or pickled) jalapenos to mac and cheese add some heat which nicely compliments the cheesiness and creaminess of mac and cheese. Other good additions are cooked and crumbled bacon, a couple of tablespoons of hot sauce or a couple of tablespoons of dijon mustard.

    Related

    Looking for other easy side dish recipes like this? Try these:

    • A cooked head of Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese.
      Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese
    • A plate of cooked spinach and feta.
      Spinach and Feta
    • A bowl of Tomato and Bocconcini Salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.
      Bocconcini Tomato Salad
    • A plate of cooked Indian Roasted Cauliflower.
      Indian Roasted Cauliflower

    Pairing

    Serve Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with one of these dinner recipes:

    • A bowl of Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup.
      Turkey Sausage and Kale Soup
    • A platter of prepared Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken.
      Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken
    • A bowl of cooked Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork with a spoon.
      Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork
    • A platter with cooked Takis Chicken.
      Takis Chicken

    Recipe

    A pan of macaroni and cheese topped with jalapenos.

    Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    Shannon
    Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is a delicious, easy, versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that compliments a variety of meals. The jalapenos give this macaroni a unique flavor without making it overly spicy.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 225 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 pot
    • 1 colander
    • 1 silicone spoon
    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • 1 whisk
    • 1 9 x 13 casserole dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
    • 3 Tablespoons butter
    • 3 Tablespoons flour
    • 3 cups milk
    • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
    • ⅓ cup pickled jalapenos, diced

    Instructions
     

    • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, then drain and set aside.
    • Preheat oven to 425.
    • Return the pasta pot to the stove over medium heat. Add the butter to the pot, swirling to melt. Sprinkle with the flour and whisk to combine. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns a golden brown, about 3 minutes.
    • Then, add the milk, whisking to remove any lumps. Add the dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper, whisking to combine. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
    • Add all but ½ cup of the shredded cheese to the pot with the milk, stirring to combine and continuing to cook and stir until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Add the jalapenos, stirring to combine. Then, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. (At this point you can eat the macaroni as is or proceed with the directions to bake it.)
    • Spread the macaroni and cheese into a greased casserole dish and top with the reserved ½ cup of cheese. Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.

    Notes

    My family likes the top and edges of the mac and cheese to be a bit brown. If this doesn't happen during baking, I'll broil it for 2-5 minutes before serving to give the top a little color.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 11gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 494mgPotassium: 135mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 631IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 345mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword jalapeno mac and cheese, jalapeno mac n cheese, jalapeno macaroni and cheese
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

    More Healthy Side Dish Recipes

    • A bowl of Watermelon Basil Salad.
      Watermelon Basil Salad
    • A dish with cooked Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice and a wedge of lemon.
      Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
    • A bowl of prepared Keto Cauliflower Mash.
      Keto Cauliflower Mash
    • A pan of baked gluten-free mac and cheese.
      Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shannon

      May 22, 2023 at 1:14 am

      5 stars
      All Mac and cheese should have jalapeños!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Shannon! I’m a work-at-home wife and mom to 3 active boys. Our family recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio and are making our home in the Midwest. Since a young age, I’ve had a deep love for food, with many of my favorite memories revolving around sharing a meal with special people.

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    A pan of macaroni and cheese topped with jalapenos.