If you think regular mac and cheese is good, just wait until you try this Crockpot Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese! We're talking tender pasta shells smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with three kinds of cheese, smoky bacon, and just enough jalapeño to give it a little kick.
And here's the best part: no boiling pasta, no standing over the stove stirring cheese sauce, and hardly any fuss! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This is comfort food with a little attitude, and trust me, nobody's leaving the table hungry!
Why this Mac and Cheese is a must-try
What really makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors. The smoked Gouda adds a little something unexpected, sharp cheddar brings that familiar cheesy goodness, and pepper jack gives every bite a bit of zip. It's the kind of dish that steals the show at potlucks, backyard barbecues, and family dinners.
Plus, you can dial the heat up or down depending on who's coming to dinner. Fair warning, though, don't count on leftovers. This one has a way of disappearing fast!
Crockpot Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 16 ounces medium shell pasta uncooked
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese shredded from block
- 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded from block
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded from block
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon. black pepper
- ¼ cup butter cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a crockpot with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and place bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Allow to cool a bit, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Add uncooked pasta to the prepared crockpot along with evaporated and whole milk, cheeses, diced jalapeños, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cubes of butter over the top of the mixture.
- After the first hour, stir well and begin checking the pasta every 20-30 minutes. Continue cooking on low until the shells are tender and the cheese sauce is creamy, up to approximately 3 hours total, depending on your slow cooker.
- Just before serving, toss in the crumbled bacon and stir to combine, saving a tablespoon or two for garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
It's got a little kick, but you can easily adjust the heat! Using one jalapeño and removing the seeds and white membranes will give you a milder dish. If you like things spicy, use two peppers and leave some of the membranes intact. Keep in mind that the pepper jack cheese adds a little heat, too!
Elbow macaroni, rotini, and small shells are all great choices! You want a pasta shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to catch that creamy cheese sauce. Avoid thin or delicate pasta because it can turn mushy in the slow cooker. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may need slightly different cooking times.
I know, I know! Buying shredded cheese is so convenient, but trust me, shredding your own is worth the extra couple of minutes. Bagged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect how smoothly it melts. For the creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese, grab a block of cheese and shred it yourself. It's usually less expensive, too!
Deb's top tips
Keep a little warm milk on standby! Since the pasta cooks right in the Crockpot, it continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If your mac and cheese gets too thick, just stir in a splash of warm milk before serving to bring back that creamy, cheesy goodness. Add a little at a time until it's just right!
Test kitchen notes
Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so keep an eye on the pasta toward the end of cooking. You want tender shells, not mushy ones! The cheese sauce will thicken as it sits, so if it's too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk until it's creamy again. If it's too thin, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. And save that crispy bacon for the very end so it keeps its crunch!
More cheesy recipes
If you're a fan of cheesy, comforting pasta dishes, I've got a few more you'll want to try! My Taco Mac n Cheese brings all your favorite taco flavors together in one delicious dinner, while Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that's perfect for hungry families.
And don't miss my One Pot Chicken Alfredo! It's rich, creamy, and makes getting dinner on the table a breeze. Because really, can you ever have too many cheesy pasta recipes?
A little heat and a lot of cheese
If you're looking to shake up your usual mac and cheese routine, this is a great recipe! I mean, bacon, jalapeños, and three kinds of cheese? What's not to love?! 😂
Give it a try and let me know what you think. Did you keep it mild or add a little extra heat? Leave me a comment below, and if you loved it, a five-star rating would make my day!
SHELIA HALL says
that sounds good and easy to make. but I might use less hot peppers as family doesn't like spicy foods
Debra Clark says
Fair enough Shelia - nothing wrong with bacon mac n cheese, that sounds amazing!
Marion Kasper says
This sounds like something I want to try - especially in the crockpot! Have Gouda in the frig and jalapenos in my garden just waiting to be used in something. Husband is not a fan of plain mac and cheese, so I think this recipe may win him over!
Debra Clark says
Oh, I love that! Gouda and fresh jalapeños from your garden sound fantastic! I think the bacon and little kick of heat might just win your husband over. Let me know what he thinks!
Alene Edmonds says
I made this and my boyfriend just loved it so much and I myself loved it I put extra jalapeno's in to make it extra spicy, and the smoked gouda cheese was the bomb the flavor it gave it was soooo yummy and the second day it tasted even better. Next time I make it I want to try adding some diced ham curious how that will taste I just love all the recipes and this site thank you
Debra Clark says
Oh, this makes me so happy to hear! I love that you kicked up the heat with extra jalapeños! Smoked Gouda adds such great flavor, and I think diced ham would be fantastic. Thank you so much for trying the recipe and for your sweet words. I appreciate you!
Karen E says
The addition of Smoked Gouda in this recipe has sold me. I love that cheese and never thought of it in Mac n Cheese. Will be making this for dinner this week and looking forward to it. Not a lover of jalapenos so that will be cut down but a few pieces are ok.
Debra Clark says
Smoked Gouda adds such a wonderful flavor to mac and cheese! And absolutely, cut back on those jalapeños to suit your taste. I hope you enjoy every bite! Come back and let me know how it turns out Karen.
Julie E says
The family loves Mac and cheese and this recipe sounds delicious!!! I can't wait to make it and try. Pretty simple instructions - just have to pick up a few ingredients and I am set to cook!!!
Debra Clark says
Oh, I hope your family loves it! It's such an easy recipe to put together, and the slow cooker does most of the work. Let me know what your family thinks!!
Sue Turcsany says
Always have cheddar and pepper jack cheese but not Gouda (I don't think I've ever bought it). Will have to pick up some. I still have red hot cherry peppers growing in my backyard garden, slightly less heat than jalapenos so I'm going to substitute them (won't make much of a difference). This will be a first for me making mac 'n cheese in the crockpot and starting with uncooked pasta. I love anything with bacon, can't wait to try this.
Debra Clark says
Those peppers should work great, and I think you'll really enjoy the smoky flavor of the Gouda. And you can't go wrong with bacon, right? I can't wait to hear what you think Sue!
Carol says
You have.made my husband so anxious for this mac and cheese. He loves the idea of the jalapeño in mac and cheese. Honestly, this sounds so good to me too.
Debra Clark says
I love hearing that! The jalapeños add such a nice little kick, and the bacon makes it even better. I hope you both love it!
lois says
This looks great. Will be giving it a try very soon. It just sounds like a great recipe. We love Mac and cheese so this should be one step better. Yum!!!
Debra Clark says
Thank you so much! If you already love mac and cheese, I think you're in for a treat with this one! Can't wait to hear what you think when you make it!