My Husband’s Exact Words After His First Bite: “Oh My God, Betty, This Is Fantastic! I’m Actually Hoping the Kids Don’t Like Theirs Now.”
When my husband took that very first forkful of this creamy, spicy jalapeño mac and cheese, he gave me a look I’ll never forget. One bite, and he proclaimed, “Oh my god, Betty, this is fantastic! I’m actually hoping the kids don’t like theirs now.” And you know what? He was right. This grown-up twist on a childhood favorite has just the right amount of zip to keep little taste buds at bay, while delighting anyone who craves bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
Creamy Comfort: Velvety cheese sauce hugs every noodle for maximum indulgence.
Just the Right Heat: Fresh jalapeños and a dash of smoked paprika bring a kick without overpowering.
Kid-Friendly Adaptation: Leave out or reduce the jalapeños for a milder version the kids will adore.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
12 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
Equipment
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