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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese

    Published: Mar 15, 2019 by Modern Honey · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

    5727 shares
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    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! www.modernhoney.com #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #jalapenomacandcheese #homemademacandcheese #sidedish

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese

    Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick!

    There's this fake macaroni and cheese that they sell in boxes and my kids go crazy for.  It is what makes me crazy! It is not the REAL  macaroni and cheese made with ingredients you can actually pronounce! So, I was determined to make mac and cheese that my kids would eat and love.

    This is the creamiest, dreamiest macaroni and cheese recipe with a spicy little kick to keep things interesting. A touch of jalapenos gives it a nice subtle spice that balances the rich, creamy sauce.

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! www.modernhoney.com #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #jalapenomacandcheese #homemademacandcheese #sidedish

    We love jalapenos here in Arizona where Mexican food reigns supreme.  My brother, Scott, lived in Mexico for two years to serve a church mission and he came home putting jalapenos on everything...and I mean everything! The first time I tried mac and cheese with jalapenos, I was hooked!

    This Creamy Spicy Macaroni and Cheese is made with sharp cheddar cheese, cream, whole milk, jalapeno, green onions, butter, a touch of flour to thicken, all tossed with elbow or cellentani pasta. Now that sounds like a list of ingredients I can support!

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! www.modernhoney.com #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #jalapenomacandcheese #homemademacandcheese #sidedish

    How to make Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese:

    1.  Start by sauteeing jalapenos and green onions in butter until softened, about five minutes.  This helps to develop the flavor of the jalapenos and onions.
    2. Whisk in the flour to the butter and jalapeno mixture and cook for another five minutes to make a thick paste.
    3. Whisk in the milk and cream.  Add the sharp cheddar cheese, only 1 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition, until it is completely melted.  Continue to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.
    4. While the cheese sauce is cooking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to generously salt the water to season the pasta from within while it cooks.  Drain the pasta.
    5. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce. Check for seasonings and add more salt, if needed.

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! www.modernhoney.com #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #jalapenomacandcheese #homemademacandcheese #sidedish

    I love to hear from you! If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating. Sign up for my newsletter below so you never miss a recipe. Thank you for following along! I truly do have the greatest readers. FOLLOW ME ON:   INSTAGRAM --- FACEBOOK --- PINTEREST

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! www.modernhoney.com #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #jalapenomacandcheese #homemademacandcheese #sidedish

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! www.modernhoney.com #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #jalapenomacandcheese #homemademacandcheese #sidedish

    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese

    Modern Honey
    Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese. Stovetop homemade creamy macaroni and cheese with sauteed jalapenos. Mac and Cheese with a kick! 
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side or Main Dish
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Tablespoons Butter
    • 3 Tablespoons Jalapeno Pepper (finely minced, may use more depending on spice preference)
    • 4 Green Onions (white and light green parts diced)
    • 2 Tablespoons Flour
    • 1 cup Heavy Cream
    • 1 cup Whole Milk (may use 2% but whole is preferred)
    • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
    • ½ teaspoon Salt (more if needed for taste)
    • ½ lb. Elbow, Cellentani, or Cavatappi Pasta

    Instructions
     

    • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the jalapeno and green onions and saute for 5 minutes, stirring often.
    • Whisk in the flour and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often.
    • Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk and whisk together. Add cheese, 1 cup at a time, until melted, stirring well after each addition.  Let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often.
    • Meanwhile, cook ½ pound of pasta according to package instructions.  Generously salt the water to ensure the pasta is well seasoned.  Once pasta is done cooking, drain well, and combine with cheese sauce. 
    • Serve immediately while warm.  

    Notes

    • Recipe adapted from Fleming's Mac and Cheese from Top Secret Restaurant Recipes.
    Keyword jalapeno macaroni and cheese
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vicki

      March 16, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      I love that this is not a "baked" mac n cheese. To me, baking all that cheesey, ooey-gooey goodness into a congealed blob is such a waste.

      Looking forward to making your Creamy Jalapeno Mac n Cheese for the family. Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
    2. Laura

      March 17, 2019 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      I’m so happy I found your blog!! I also live in Arizona ???? I am making your blueberry pancakes this morning and your jalapeño Mac and cheese later today. All of your recipes look delicious!!!

      Reply
    3. Sarah

      March 25, 2019 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      So this was amazing!!! I Changed one thing because my husband is such a carnivore lol. I fried some bacon, and crumbled it into the mixture as well. So we had creamy, spicy, bacon Mac and cheese!!!

      Reply
    4. San Antonio Home

      August 25, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Fresh or pickled jalapeños? Texas gal who loves spicy!

      Reply
      • Laurie

        March 06, 2022 at 4:40 pm

        I'll answer this...fresh would be best. Pickled are great over nachos but not cooked.

        Reply
    5. A H

      March 07, 2021 at 8:32 pm

      It’s a good recipe but I would recommend adding more seasoning to it for more flavor. It’s a bit bland without added seasoning.

      Reply
    6. CINDY L BARNETT

      March 13, 2021 at 5:31 am

      5 stars
      Best mac and cheese I've had in a long time - I so much prefer stove top mac and cheese, reminds me of my momma's.......

      Reply
    7. Cheryl

      January 01, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      How many does this serve please?

      Reply
    8. Luciana

      October 20, 2022 at 4:08 pm

      Do you think we can freeze it?

      Reply

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    Melissa Stadler Modern Honey

    Hi, I'm Melissa Stadler! I am an Award-Winning Recipe Creator. Cover of Food Network Magazine. Two-Time Pillsbury Bake-Off Finalist. I am passionate about sharing the best recipes so you have success in the kitchen!

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