Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like no other! This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s about to rock your world. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness infused with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon and the bold kick of fresh jalapeños – all baked to perfection for a dish that’s simply INSANE. This is no ordinary mac and cheese, folks. This is a culinary adventure that’s going to have your taste buds doing the happy dance!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake
Alright, listen up because I’m about to blow your mind! This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake is the stuff of legend. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also super easy to make. We’re talking next-level comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your cravings on a cozy night in. The combination of gooey, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and the subtle heat from the jalapeños is truly out of this world. And let’s not forget the fact that it’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this recipe is going to become a staple in your household. It’s the kind of dish that will have your friends and family begging you to make it again and again. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get this party started!
Ingredients
To create this epic Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: elbow macaroni, bacon, jalapeños, a blend of shredded cheeses (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan), heavy cream, butter, all-purpose flour, and some seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. These simple ingredients come together to form a harmonious flavor profile that’s out of this world. Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game to new heights!
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 8 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2-3 – Jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese blend
- 2 cups – Heavy cream
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp – All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shredded Cheese: You can substitute other types of shredded cheese, like Colby or Gouda, if you don’t have the exact blend on hand.
- Seasonings: Feel free to play around with the spices to suit your taste buds. You can adjust the amounts or swap in other favorites like paprika or chili powder.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake
Let’s get this party started! First, we’ll prep everything, then dive into the main cooking process, and finally, we’ll bring it all together for the ultimate comfort food explosion.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Chop the jalapeños, removing the seeds and membranes if you want to tone down the heat.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, let’s get this party started! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
It’s time to bring everything together! Remove the thickened cream sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add the cooked macaroni and chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and top it with the crispy bacon pieces.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
For an extra layer of indulgence, you can sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top of the macaroni bake before baking. This will create a delicious, golden-brown crust that’s sure to impress.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: For a spicier version, add some extra chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Protein Boost: Try stirring in some shredded chicken or diced ham for an extra protein punch.
- Swap the Bacon: Use crispy prosciutto or pancetta instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the bake with a crunchy breadcrumb or crushed Ritz cracker topping.
- Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the top for a touch of freshness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh, crisp salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake.
Storage: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F until it’s hot and bubbly. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months – just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Now, I know what you’re thinking – this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake is probably not the healthiest dish on the block. And you’d be right! But sometimes, you just need to indulge in a little bit of comfort food magic. This recipe is definitely not light on the calories or fat, but it’s worth every bite.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 577 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 41 g
- Sodium: 779 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese blend. You can also add in some roasted or sautéed veggies, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to make it even more wholesome.
How spicy is this dish?
The amount of heat from the jalapeños can vary depending on their size and how much you use. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just 1-2 jalapeños and remove the seeds and membranes. For a bolder flavor, add more jalapeños and leave some of the seeds and membranes intact.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe easily scalable?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. Just make sure you use a large enough baking dish to accommodate the increased portion size. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
What are some other delicious recipes to try?
If you loved this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake, be sure to check out these other mouthwatering recipes from Maxivore:
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Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🧀 CHEESE AVALANCHE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Macaroni Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish packed with crispy bacon and a kick of spice from fresh jalapeños. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck!
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
1.
2. – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. – Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. – In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. – In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. – Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. – Mix in the cooked macaroni, diced jalapeños, and crispy bacon. Stir until everything is well combined.
8. – If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and set aside.
9. – Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
10. – Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
11. – Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
12.
Notes
– For a spicier bake, leave the seeds in the jalapeños.
– You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option.
– This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: macaroni, cheese, bacon, jalapeño, bake