Jalapeño Popper Mac 'n Cheese

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 ½-quart baking dish.'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to pot; set aside.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeños; cook until just softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in flour, coating vegetables well. Whisk in milk slowly until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Season sauce with garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in processed cheese and cream cheese until melted and sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Pour macaroni into cheese sauce and stir to coat completely. Pour into the prepared baking dish.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Cool briefly.'}

7. 7

   {'id': 'step_6', 'step': 7, 'text': 'Crumble bacon and mix with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni. Top with jalapeño slices.'}

8. 8

   {'id': 'step_7', 'step': 8, 'text': 'Bake, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (8 servings total)