↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Pasta » Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

by Sarah Olson on April 2, 2022 | Updated September 29, 2022 Leave a Comment

856 shares
  • 246
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
long image of jalapeno mac and cheese
Collage of jalapeno mac images with text of what ingredients are.
collage of jalapeno mac and cheese with text overlay for pinterest

If you’re looking for comfort food with a twist, this slow cooker jalapeno mac and cheese recipe is the perfect dish to try. It’s made from scratch with ingredients you can actually pronounce and easily find at the grocery store. Trust us when we say this may become a new family favorite!

jalapeno mac and cheese on a spoon

Why this recipe works

Most people are used to the store-bought, boxed macaroni, and cheese. While it can be quick and tasty, it’s not always the healthiest. With this crockpot jalapeno mac and cheese recipe, you’re making everything from scratch with minimal ingredients and just as much flavor. Along, with the bacon, this tastes like a jalapeno popper!

In addition to it being a better-for-you option, the prep time is minimal, and the cooking time is reasonable. This means you can start this meal just a couple of hours before you’re set to eat. It also pairs well with many main course options (more about that later).

Ingredients

ingredients for jalapeno mac and cheese on a table
  • Macaroni noodles – elbow macaroni pasta is the best noodle choice for this recipe.
  • Jalapeño – a must to make it jalapeno mac and cheese (and give it a bit of a kick).
  • Cheese – five kinds of cheese come together for a creamy goodness cheese sauce (cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, swiss cheese, and white cheddar cheese).
  • Cream and butter – heavy cream and butter help create the cheese mixture.
  • Bacon – adds a slightly meaty taste and overall balanced flavor.
  • Other – mayo, egg and salt

Step-by-Step Directions

4 image collage on how to add ingredients for jalapeno mac and cheese to crockpot

Step One – Cook the pasta to al dente. Drain and add to the slow cooker.

Step Two – Add (melted) butter, the cheeses, and (whisked) egg, salt, and stir.

Step Three – Sprinkle bacon and jalapeno pepper on top of the mixture.

Step Four – Stir and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. (You’ll need to gently stir a couple of times throughout the cooking time.)

done cooking jalapeno mac and cheese in crockpot

Variations

  • Poblano peppers – These provide a much milder spice than jalapeno peppers.
  • Mild – If you want to go completely mild in spice, substitute jalapeno peppers for green bell pepper.
  • Fire-roasted green chiles – Typically used in sauces and Mexican dishes, the flavors of these peppers provide a charred and lightly sweet flavor. These can be purchased in the can.
  • Pepper jack cheese – Trade out the different cheeses for this cheese that offer a hint of spice and cheesy flavors.
bowl of jalapeno mac and cheese

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta noodles?

As with most pasta dishes, you can always play around with the different noodles used. Cavatappi and penne are two that would look good in this dish. Do not use egg noodles; they will fall apart.

Is there a way to use jalapenos but make it less spicy?

When slicing your peppers, remove the seeds as they hold a lot of the spice.

Can I use only one type of cheese?

It’s more economical to use only one type of cheese instead of four. If you use only one type, choose the white cheddar cheese or use sharp cheddar cheese.

What pairs well with Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese?

Since this could technically be a side dish, you can always pair it with meat like chicken or pot roast.

How do I store the leftovers?

Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk to prevent burning and help with melting the cheese.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

done cooking jalapeno mac and cheese in crockpot

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Mac and cheese made in the slow cooker with jalapenos for a wonderful side dish that the entire family will love.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 785kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz. box elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup salted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 jalapenos seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Cook and drain the elbow pasta al dente; you will want to undercook your pasta slightly.
  • Add pasta to the crockpot.
  • Stir in melted butter, mayo, heavy cream, cream cheese, and whisked egg.
  • Add all of the cheese and stir to combine.
  • Next, add the jalapenos and bacon. Depending on spice preference, seed the jalapenos first. We prefer to keep the seeds from one jalapeno to give it a slight kick and let the flavor of the jalapenos shine through. Set aside a small amount of jalapenos for garnish. Stir well.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. Stir the pasta twice during this cooking time, once at the hour mark and then and the 1.5 hour mark. Be gentle when you stir.
  • Garnish with jalapeno slices and enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark

Recipe Notes:

How can I make the jalapeno flavor less spicy?
When slicing your peppers, remove the seeds as they hold a lot of the spice.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
As with most pasta dishes, you can always play around with the different noodles used. Cavatappi and penne are two that would look good in this dish. Do not use egg noodles; they will fall apart.
Can I use only one type of cheese?
It’s more economical to use only one type of cheese instead of four. If you use only one type, choose the white cheddar cheese or use sharp cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 785kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 893mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1518IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 410mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More jalapeno recipes

  • Slow Cooker Jalapeno Bacon Quiche
  • Slow Cooker Spicy Pinto Beans
  • Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Ham
  • Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Queso Verde

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    856 shares
    • 246

    Filed Under: Pasta, Side Dishes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Appetizers

    Done cooking pizza dip in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Pizza Dip

    hot pimento cheese dip on a piece of bread.

    Slow Cooker Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

    apple being dipped into cheese fondue.

    Slow Cooker Cheese Fondue

    Buffalo chicken dip with green onions on top.

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

    creamy dip with ham and cheese.

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Sin Dip

    close up of meatballs and little smokies in a white slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Meatballs and Little Smokies

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      Cooked cube steak in a crockpot.

      Slow Cooker Cube Steak

      peanut butter cake with spoon in it.

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      Close up of cajun chicken fettuccine in slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2023, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs