Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Jalapenos and Panc

Name: Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Jalapenos and Pancetta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups Whole Or 2% Milk; 1/2 cups Half-and-half; 4 ounces, weight Pancetta Or Bacon, Diced; 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Cubed; 2 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour; 3/4 cups Good Quality White Cheddar Cheese, Shredded; 3/4 cups Good Quality Fontina Cheese, Shredded; 1/4 cups Pecorino Or Parmesan Cheese, Shredded; 4 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, Cubed; Salt To Taste; 2 Fresh Jalapeno Peppers, Roasted And Chopped; 8 ounces, weight Dry Pasta Of Your Choice (choose One With Lots Of Nooks For Holding Sauce)

Servings: persons

2 cups Whole Or 2% Milk
1/2 cups Half-and-half
4 ounces, weight Pancetta Or Bacon, Diced
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Cubed
2 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
3/4 cups Good Quality White Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
3/4 cups Good Quality Fontina Cheese, Shredded
1/4 cups Pecorino Or Parmesan Cheese, Shredded
4 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, Cubed
Salt To Taste
2 Fresh Jalapeno Peppers, Roasted And Chopped
8 ounces, weight Dry Pasta Of Your Choice (choose One With Lots Of Nooks For Holding Sauce)

1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2
In a small saucepan, heat milk and half-and-half to just below a simmer.
3
Chop the pancetta and fry it in a medium saute pan until crispy.
4
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5
Using same pan you fried the pancetta, add butter to bacon fat and melt over low heat.
6
Add flour and whisk to combine.
7
Let cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
8
Gradually whisk in warm milk mixture.
9
Continue cooking, stirring often, until sauce is simmering and thickened.
10
Let sauce bubble gently until thick, about 5-10 minutes longer, stirring often so it doesnt scorch on bottom.
11
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses.
12
Fold in cream cheese and continue stirring.
13
Once cheeses are melted, season sauce with salt as needed.
14
Stir in roasted jalapenos.
15
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 1/2 to 3/4 the cooking time indicated on the package; drain and return to pot.
16
Add cheese sauce and stir.
17
Transfer pasta to a 2-quart baking dish or individual serving dishes such as ramekins, French onion soup bowls, or mini pie pans.
18
Sprinkle with crumbled pancetta and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned on top and bubbling throughout.

826

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups Whole Or 2% Milk, 1/2 cups Half-and-half, 4 ounces, weight Pancetta Or Bacon, Diced, 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Cubed, and more.

Yes, Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Jalapenos and Pancetta falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Jalapenos and Pancetta

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions