Creamy. Cheesy. Sweet Heat Perfection.
This isn't your average mac & cheese.
Sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, creamy Monterey Jack and our Sweet n' Spicy Candied Jalapeños come together for a ridiculously rich mac & cheese with just the right balance of sweet and heat.
Top it with buttery Parmesan breadcrumbs, a few extra candied jalapeños and prepare to ruin ordinary mac & cheese forever.
Good on Everything™ strikes again.
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded old cheddar
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ½–¾ cup Sweet n' Spicy Candied Jalapeños, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp candied jalapeño brine from the jar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- A handful of Sweet n' Spicy Candied Jalapeños
Make It
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta in well-salted water until it's just shy of al dente. Don't overcook it — it'll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about one minute.
Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking as you go. Continue cooking for several minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack and Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more.
Stir in the Dijon, garlic powder, smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons of candied jalapeño brine.
Then add the star of the show: ½–¾ cup of chopped Sweet n' Spicy Candied Jalapeños.
Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Add the pasta and stir until it's completely coated in that glorious cheese sauce.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Combine the panko, melted butter and Parmesan and sprinkle evenly over the mac & cheese. Scatter a few extra candied jalapeños over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Take It Over the Top
Finish each serving with a little Sweet n' Spicy Candied Jalapeño Drizzle.
Want more heat? Make the exact same recipe with Blazin' Sweet Candied Jalapeños instead.
Want to turn it into dinner? Add pulled pork, smoked brisket or bacon before baking.
Sweet. Spicy. Cheesy. Addictive.
Good on Everything.™
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