Is jalapeno mac and cheese good?

Absolutely! Jalapeno mac n cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish. The heat from the jalapeños adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the creamy, cheesy base. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors or wants to spice up their traditional mac and cheese routine. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, potluck, or game day, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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

There are plenty of ways to enhance the flavor of jalapeno mac n cheese . Add-ins like sautéed garlic, chopped onions, crumbled bacon, or even a splash of hot sauce can elevate the taste. Stirring in cream cheese or using a mix of sharp and smoky cheeses gives the sauce extra richness. Topping it with toasted breadcrumbs or jalapeño slices before baking adds texture and spice.

What kind of cheese goes with jalapeños?

Jalapeños pair best with bold, melty cheeses. Sharp cheddar is a classic base that stands up to the heat. Smoked gouda brings a deep, savory flavor, while Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds creaminess with a hint of spice. These cheeses blend beautifully in jalapeno mac n cheese , creating a rich and flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese?

The top three cheeses for a bold and creamy jalapeno mac n cheese are: Sharp Cheddar – for tangy flavor and traditional mac and cheese vibes. Smoked Gouda – for smoky depth and smooth melting quality. Monterey Jack – for a mild, creamy texture that balances the spice of the jalapeños. This trio creates a sauce that’s rich, spicy, and unforgettable.

Jalapeno Mac n Cheese – The Best 2025 Spicy Cheese Recipe Ever

Name: Jalapeño Mac n Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz cavatappi pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 2 jalapeños, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: panko topping, extra jalapeños or cheese for garnish

Description

Jalapeño Mac n Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic with a spicy twist. Loaded with melty cheese, tender pasta, and fresh jalapeños, it’s bold, rich, and perfect for those who love a little heat in their comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz. large elbow pasta, uncooked
3 tbsps. butter
3 tbsps. all purpose flour
2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded, or Jalapeno white Cheddar for more spice
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 cups whole milk, or 2 cups milk, 1 cup pasta water for lower calories
4 oz. cream cheese, low fat
1½ tsp. onion powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
2 large jalapeños, one diced with seeds off, one sliced

Topping

1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tbsps. butter

Instructions

Preheat oven at 375 F.
Cook pasta al dente according to package direction. About 6-7 minutes.
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tbsp. of butter and add in the panko crumbs. Mix the crumbs with the butter and continue mixing over medium low heat until the crumb are “lightly” golden brown in color. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate or bowl. Clean the skillet with a paper towel to remove any leftover crumbs.
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsps. of butter and add in the garlic and diced jalapeno to sauté for a minute or two. Then add in the flour and whisk well with the butter to obtain a nice smooth pasty texture.
Pour in the milk and continue whisking for a minute until any lumps of flour are completely gone. Add in the salt, black pepper and onion powder and cream cheese. Mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to thicken up a little while you continue to mix slowly for a couple of minutes.
Add in the white cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and mix to combine well until the cheese melts completely and sauce thickens up. Pour in the pasta, sliced jalapenos and mix to coat well with the cheese sauce.
Pour the pasta into a baking dish or keep in the same skillet if skillet is oven proof to make it a one pot dish.
Top the pasta with the breadcrumbs mix and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with some freshy chopped parsley and sliced/ diced jalapeno peppers.

Notes

For extra flavor, sauté jalapeños before adding to the cheese sauce.
Use a combo of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish.
Easily made ahead—just reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner / Side
Method: Stovetop + Baking (optional)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Cream cheese, ribs, white american cheese, heavy cream,