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Creamy Crockpot Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon

creamy crockpot jalapeño popper mac and cheese - featured image
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This creamy crockpot mac and cheese combines the classic comfort of cheesy noodles with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the crunch of crispy bacon. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, game nights, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 2–3 medium jalapeños, seeded and diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 8 slices bacon (about 5 oz), cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin (optional)
  • Extra jalapeño slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop once cool. Set aside.
  2. Slice and seed jalapeños, then dice finely. Leave some seeds for extra heat if desired.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, and cream cheese cubes. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Add whole milk and evaporated milk to the cheese mixture. Stir until cream cheese softens slightly.
  5. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Pour uncooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot.
  7. Add diced jalapeños and cheese mixture to the crockpot. Stir gently to distribute noodles and sauce.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour. Check for doneness at 90 minutes; noodles should be tender and sauce creamy. If sauce is thick, add up to 1/2 cup extra milk.
  9. Once noodles are cooked and sauce is creamy, stir in half the chopped bacon.
  10. Top with remaining bacon, green onions, and extra jalapeño slices for garnish.
  11. Serve hot in bowls or plates. Garnish with extra cheese and jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta. For vegetarian, skip bacon or use plant-based substitute. Use freshly grated cheese for best texture. Add bacon just before serving for maximum crunch. Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired heat. If sauce is too thick, add more milk; if too thin, cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, crockpot, jalapeño popper, bacon, comfort food, easy, spicy, cheesy, slow cooker, potluck

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-crockpot-jalape-n-o-popper-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-with-crispy-bacon/