Get ready to experience the ultimate in decadent, flavor-packed indulgence with these Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups! This epic dish is a revolutionary take on the classic mac and cheese, combining a creamy, spicy jalapeño sauce with crispy bacon bits in a portable, handheld cup form. Prepare to have your taste buds absolutely blown away by this insane, legendary creation that’s sure to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups
These Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups are an absolute game-changer in the world of comfort food. The combination of the rich, velvety cheese sauce with the smoky bacon and the fiery kick of jalapeños creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. The handheld cup format makes them the ultimate party food or on-the-go snack, perfect for sharing with friends or devouring all by yourself. Get ready to experience a level of mac and cheese euphoria that you never thought possible!
Ingredients
For this mind-blowing Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups recipe, you’ll need a decadent blend of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, along with heavy cream, milk, and of course, crispy bacon and fresh jalapeños. Don’t forget the elbow macaroni – the perfect vessel to soak up all that incredible sauce.
- 12 oz – Elbow Macaroni
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 – Jalapeños, diced (remove seeds and membranes for less heat)
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup – All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups – Whole Milk
- 1 cup – Heavy Cream
- 2 cups – Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup – Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 oz – Cream Cheese, softened
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to get creative with the cheese selection, using a mix of your favorite melty varieties like Gouda, Gruyère, or even a touch of Parmesan.
- Spice Level: You can adjust the spice level by using more or less jalapeños, or even swapping them out for milder peppers like Poblanos if you’re not a fan of the heat.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these epic Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups! Here’s how to bring this insane creation to life.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Next, dice the jalapeños, removing the seeds and membranes if you want to tone down the heat. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, then remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin and scoop the creamy mac and cheese into each cup, filling them about three-quarters full. Top each cup with a sprinkle of the crumbled bacon and diced jalapeños.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding extra toppings like shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Cheese Combos: You can also experiment with different cheese combinations or try using a blend of spices instead of the jalapeños.
- Heartier Serving: For a heartier version, serve these Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups alongside a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
- Flavor Variations: This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise with these epic cups.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups make a great appetizer or side dish, but can also be enjoyed as a main course.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: You can reheat the cups in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to indulge again.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled filling.
Nutrition Information
These Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups are a delightfully indulgent treat, with each serving packing a hefty dose of calories, fat, and carbs. But hey, sometimes you just gotta let loose and enjoy the ultimate in comfort food bliss, right? Life gave us ingredients – I say we make them LEGENDARY!
- Serving Size: 1 Mac & Cheese Cup
- Calories: 467 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 812 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled filling.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cups for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other short, tubular pasta shapes, like penne or cavatappi. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and adjust the other ingredients as needed. The Creamy Jalapeño Sauce will still be out-of-this-world delicious.
How spicy are these?
The level of spice can vary depending on the size and amount of jalapeños used. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also use a milder pepper, like a Poblano, for a less fiery version.
Try These Next
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers With Creamy Cheese Filling
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
Creamy Jalapeño Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Fire Zone
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These creamy jalapeño bacon mac & cheese cups are a deliciously spicy twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 jalapeños, diced
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and milk.
4. 4. Stir in the crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
6. 6. Top each cup with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
7. 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
8. 8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
These cups can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, jalapeño, bacon, appetizer