Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

A pan of macaroni and cheese topped with jalapenos.

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

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings people

Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

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!