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5.0 from 6 votes

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake

This homemade Mac and Cheese Bake gets beefed up with crisp bacon, jalapeños and a buttery-crisp Panko crumb topping makes for one delicious side dish at any picnic, potluck or dinner.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 582 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper each
  • 4 oz queso fresco crumbled
  • 8 cooked bacon strips chopped
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeno slices finely diced
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp cilantro leaves chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large saucepan over medium low heat melt the butter and add the flour. Cook for several minutes until a golden brown and slowly whisk in the milk to avoid any lumps. Add the cheddar cheese, kosher salt, black pepper and paprika, constantly whisking until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni al dente (about 7 minutes) in heavily salted water and drain. Add macaroni, chopped bacon and jalapeños to cheese sauce and stir to incorporate completely.
  3. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered 8x8" or 9x9" pan and crumble queso fresco evenly over top.
  4. In a small bowl mix the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and chopped cilantro and crumble mixture on top.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and firm up a little. Cut into squares and serve. Top with more crumbled queso fresco if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories 582kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Cholesterol 98mg (33%) Sodium 924mg (39%) Potassium 297mg (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1285IU (26%) Calcium 451mg (45%) Iron 1.7mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 582

% Daily Value*

Calories 582kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 38g 58%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 98mg 33%
Sodium 924mg 39%
Potassium 297mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1285IU 26%
Calcium 451mg 45%
Iron 1.7mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.