Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup: creamy mac and cheese meets the bold flavors of a bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper. Twirly cavatappi noodles are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, studded with salty bacon bits and topped with a crispy, spiced panko crust. Sliced jalapeños add just the right amount of heat, making every bite irresistible.

Best of all, this stovetop-to-broiler dish comes together in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe delivers all the gooey, crunchy, spicy goodness you crave.

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Ingredients

ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Cream Sauce BaseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

7 ounce Gluten-Free Fresh Fusilli PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit JalapeñoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Monterey Jack CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 tablespoon Southwest Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Mexican Cheese BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Heat a large, dry pan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy, 6-10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Carefully discard all but a thin layer of bacon fat from the pan.
2. While bacon cooks, halve the jalapeño crosswise, remove ribs and seeds for less heat, then thinly slice one half into half-moons and finely dice the remaining half. Peel and mince the garlic.
3. Once water is boiling, add cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds). Stir in panko and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the pan with reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add sliced jalapeño and season with salt. Cook until just tender, 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a small bowl. Add diced jalapeño and garlic to the pan; cook until slightly softened, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add flour to the pan and whisk until thoroughly coated. Whisk in cream sauce base, cream cheese, half the Southwest Spice Blend and 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Whisk in Mexican cheese blend and Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.
6. Heat broiler to high. Roughly chop the bacon. Stir bacon and drained cavatappi into the cheese sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until the pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer the mac and cheese to an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with panko and sliced jalapeño. Broil until panko is browned and crispy, 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Serve directly from the dish or divide among plates.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like elbow macaroni, fusilli or penne works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

The recipe includes gluten-free fresh fusilli pasta. Use gluten-free panko and ensure your cream sauce base and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the mac and cheese (without the panko topping) up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, add the panko and sliced jalapeño, then broil until crispy.