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Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

February 27, 2013

  • 165

 Pepper jack cheese is the hero here for this over the top tasting slightly spicy mac and cheese.   

Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese Recipe from @createdbydiane

 

My mom’s favorite cheese is pepper jack, and that is just what inspired this recipe.

She loves cheese just as much and I do and I recall her buying Pepper-Jack cheese in the 80’s it was a regular item in our fridge.

I don’t recall it going into Mac and Cheese and well, that was a BIG mistake I just fixed and…

if you like Pepper-Jack Cheese and the thought of spicing up Mac and Cheese,

well, start thanking me now!

This recipe has grown to new heights over the years, with the addition of bacon and more jalapenos, but let’s start with the basic recipe.

Milk, cheese, a roux of butter and flour to thicken the sauce… and pasta.

Any shape will work, I often choose elbows or penne. Both those noodles are smooth and lend themselves to a great texture for this dish.

 

stuffed jalapeno mac and cheese with bacon www.createdbydiane.com

 

Really this is a WINNER and I have it on good authority many felt the same way.

 

Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese @createdbydiane.jpg

 

 

 

I recently made a big batch of this to bring to a party and everyone seemed to love it, YIPPEE! I love it when that happens.

Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese.jpg

This creamy spicy cheesy sauce is just wonderful!

But I didn’t stop there I added roasted jalapeños crisp bacon and cilantro to the top of the dish and well.

 

Yep, I think it put it over the top, in a good way of course.

The way…. only bacon can do it.

I bring this dish to parties, the beach, leave it in a slow cooker to stay warm on game day, and it reheats so great, it’s perfect to take to lunch for those who eat lunch outside the house.

Add in shredded chicken for a fun flavor option.

 

Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese for a Crowd @createdbydiane

(this tray is loaded with additional cheese, bacon, cilantro and all ready for the party)

 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this… so many. I bring it with me everywhere I get invited. It ALWAYS gets devoured!

It’s full of flavor and is great to bring to a friend in need of dinner it’s not too spicy… even kids love it.

If you don’t prefer things spicy, remove the jalapeno, or pepper jack having one or the other is milder, if you’re not that into jalapenos, I love them. I find the flavor great without being overly spicy!

What other types of cheese can I use?

If you don’t have pepper jack cheese, just use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. 

I like things extra spicy, what can I do to make this spicier?

Add a total of 3 jalapenos, but don’t roast them, just saute them for a minute, they will add a ton of flavor and spice to the recipe.

What type of bacon can I use in this recipe?

You can cook raw bacon until it’s crisp. You can use pre-cooked bacon and heat it so the flavor comes out and it’s crispy. You can use cooked crumbled bacon, again heat it up so it releases flavor when added to the recipe.

Can I add nacho style jalapenos?

You can, but the flavor is completely different, as they are pickled and have a vinegar type of taste. I would add some to the top of the dish, but mixing those into the entire dish will most likely overwhelm the flavor. Have each serving/person add their own.

What type of pasta is good for this recipe?

Any tube shaped cut pasta will work well, elbow noodles, penne, ziti, ditalini would also work.

Can I make this recipe creamier?

Add a little more milk if the pasta absorbs the sauce. Alternatively, you can add a cup of heavy cream to this recipe for an even richer, creamier cheese sauce. You can add cream cheese, but it will make the recipe taste a bit sweeter.

 

If you don’t like bacon, it’s not necessary for this recipe. The pepper jack cheese has great flavor!

 

Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
 
Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
20 mins
 
SLIGHTLY SPICY, CREAMY AND DELICIOUS CHEESY MAC AND CHEESE
Author: Diane Schmidt, Created by Diane
Recipe type: Main Dish, Side Dish, Pasta, Cheese
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound cooked pasta (I used mini Penne)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/2 pound (approx. 2 cups ) grated pepper jack cheese
  • 1 roasted, seeded, diced jalapeños.
toppings
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon, cooked crisp
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, roasted, seeded, and diced.
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain pasta.
  3. Add butter and flour to the pot, and whisk until butter is melted and cook the flour for a minute on medium heat.
  4. Slowly add the milk in while whisking, keep adding the milk until it's all incorporated and looks like a sauce.
  5. If you add the milk too quickly it will be lumpy, add 1/2 cup at a time slowly while whisking: trust me, I've been in a hurry and rushed it and wanted to start all over sometimes.
  6. Once all the milk is incorporated, add the cheeses and whisk the cheese into the sauce until smooth.
  7. Pour sauce over pasta.
  8. To top off this dish, I heated the crumbled bacon until it was crispy.
  9. Then topped the Pepper-Jack Mac and Cheese with the bacon, cilantro, and the additional jalapeño.
  10. The large dish pictured is this recipe doubled-two pounds of pasta-which I find is a great amount to bring to a party.
3.5.3251

 

Find more JALAPENO recipes here.

Mac-and-Cheese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step by Step instructions for creating a thick sauce for Mac and Cheese.

Crab-Mac-and-Cheese

 

 

 

 

If you like CRAB, you will probably really like this Crab Maca and Cheese!

 

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23 Comments Filed Under: FAVORITES, Main Dishes, Pasta, Sauces, Savory, Side Dishes, vegetarian Tagged With: bacon, cheese, jalapeno, Mac and Cheese, pasta

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Comments

  1. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    February 27, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    You’re killing me! Looks delicious and holy bacon… yes please!

    Reply
  2. Jocelyn says

    February 27, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    Over the top mac and cheese with pepper jack cheese? That is one of the most amazing mac and cheese dishes I have ever seen!!! I love it!

    Reply
  3. Lora says

    February 27, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    WOW. this look amazing. I am a big pepper jack fan from way back. This is a must try. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Cookbook Queen says

    February 27, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Seriously?? I could eat that entire pan!! YUM!! I don’t buy a ton of pepper jack, but I buy colby jack like it’s going out of style, so it’s not a far jump for me to the pepper jack wagon 🙂

    Reply
  5. Stacy says

    February 28, 2013 at 5:18 am

    Pepper Jack has always been one of my favorite cheeses! You have taken mac and cheese a leap into greatness with the addition of the jalapeños and bacon. Especially the bacon. Forget the potluck. I fear I would have to make the 2-pound panful just for home.

    Reply
  6. Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:03 am

    I love pepperjack! And working at a cheese shop for my day-job isn’t easy — I’m around pepperjack cheese (among like, millions of other delicious cheese) all day. Someone’s gotta do it 😉 I am SO making this for my family next week! I love the spicy twist on mac and cheese!!

    Reply
  7. Maria Tadic says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Mmmm I love pepperjack cheese. It’s so creamy yet a little spicy! The perfect cheese. I bet that mac n cheese was awesome!

    Reply
  8. Jeanette says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    My kids do love pepperjack cheese – that little kick makes all the difference.

    Reply
  9. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Um, is that bacon there on top???? *Swoon* This is the best recipe EVERRRRR.

    Reply
  10. Carolyn says

    March 1, 2013 at 4:00 am

    Wow, that is one loaded mac and cheese!

    Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    March 1, 2013 at 6:34 am

    Yes please!!

    Reply
  12. Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says

    March 1, 2013 at 6:53 am

    I love all mac and cheese dishes! I would love to dig into this at a party~

    Reply
  13. Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says

    March 1, 2013 at 7:38 am

    Ooh yes! Spicy mac & cheese is my favorite mac & cheese. 😀

    Reply
  14. Amanda says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Oh my gosh girl. How fabulous is this mac and cheese?? Love!!

    Reply
  15. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Fantastic southwestern twist on mac and cheese. Love it!

    Reply
  16. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

    March 2, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    I’ve yet to try mac and cheese with bacon on it but damn it looks good!

    Reply
  17. Amanda says

    March 3, 2013 at 6:17 am

    Oh my gosh, what a totally delicious idea! Love it!

    Reply
  18. TidyMom says

    March 3, 2013 at 7:11 am

    my family LOVES pepper jack cheese – I’ll have to make this for them! Thanks Diane

    Reply
  19. Jennifer (Savor) says

    March 5, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    No way your mom loves or eats cheese more than I do – ask my hips. XO

    Reply
  20. Heidi @foodiecrush says

    March 17, 2013 at 8:11 am

    Your mom had the right idea, a flavor explosion all in one spot.

    Reply

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