Description
A cheesy and spicy twist on traditional mac and cheese, packed with flavor and perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Macaroni Pasta
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 4 strips Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 Fresh Jalapeños, sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a dash of olive oil and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and jalapeños. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring, then add shredded cheddar cheese in batches until melted.
- Combine the Pasta: Toss in the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon, mixing well. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle additional cheddar and breadcrumbs on top, broiling for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh bacon. Adjust jalapeño amount for desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, jalapeño, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese